19 Years of Teaching Teens Financial Wellness Skills at Money Madness

GROTON, Conn. – Students from eight high schools – Academy of the Holy Family, East Haddam High School, Lyman Memorial High School, Norwich Free Academy, Montville High School, RHAM High School, Waterford High School, and Wheeler High School – convened at Three Rivers Community College on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 for the 19th Annual Money Madness seminar presented by Chelsea Groton Bank.  

The half-day seminar opened with keynote speaker, Chief Lynn Malerba, Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. From 2022 - 2024, Lynn served as the Treasurer of the United States appointed by President Joe Biden, becoming the first Native American to serve in that role. Before becoming Chief, Lynn served as Chairwoman of the Tribal Council and in Tribal Government as Executive Director of Health and Human Services.  Prior to her work for the Mohegan Tribe, Lynn spent many years as a registered nurse at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.  

Lynn shared stories from her personal and professional journey, and how to face challenges and overcome them. She emphasized to the students, “It’s okay to have a plan but don’t hold on to it so tightly that you will miss the amazing adventures that may await.” She also discussed the importance of being open to learning in any way you can to gain new knowledge and experience, owning and moving forward from your mistakes, and rising to the occasion by challenging yourself to say yes. 

The day included several breakout sessions on the topics of cybercrime and identity theft, budgeting, credit, and an introduction to investing.  Students also participated in a Reality Fair where they experienced real world financial situations and had to make purchasing decisions based on their assigned income level and the impact their choices would have on their financial wellness. Representatives leading the breakout sessions and Reality Fair were from the Better Business Bureau CT, CT Department of Banking, Jane Ryan Insurance, and Chelsea Groton Bank. 

 Trivia questions pertaining to the day’s keynote address and break-out activities were asked to test what the students learned. 

“Money Madness strives to give students the tools they need to make important financial decisions as they graduate high school and take the next steps into adulthood. Our speakers shared their own personal stories and instilled guidance based on their experiences,” explained Miria Gray, AVP, Community Education Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank. “It’s a great program that gives real-world perspective on multiple facets of financial wellness.”  

In addition to the annual Money Madness event, Chelsea Groton Bank also delivers financial wellness programs at local schools on a regular basis and offers complimentary access to the Bank’s Chelsea University online learning channel to all members of the community. 

To learn more about Chelsea Groton Bank’s Chelsea University or to schedule a workshop, please visit www.chelseagroton.com/ChelseaUniversity. 

About Chelsea Groton Bank 

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.7 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank’s products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education classes. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.