The North Carolina Financial Literacy Council (FLC), working in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, is proud to announce that two local students have been named statewide winners in the 2025 Plan, Save, Thrive Contest, a financial literacy competition for school-age children across North Carolina.
The contest invited students from kindergarten through 12th grade to explore the theme “Budgeting in 2025: Plan, Save, Thrive” through creative submissions in categories including essay, visual art, poetry/creative writing, video, and infographic/poster. Students were encouraged to reflect on how budgeting supports goal-setting, responsible decision-making, and long-term financial well-being.
Rohit Dodda from Panther Creek High School was the First Place Winner within the infographics category.
Murat Sahin from Triangle Math and Science Academy won First Place in the essay contest.
Judges praised the students’ work for creativity, originality and thoughtful understanding of budgeting principles.
“Financial literacy is a foundational life skill. When students learn early how to plan, save, and make thoughtful financial decisions, they are better prepared to thrive as adults.” — Lori Carlin, Social Studies and Arts Section Chief, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and member of the Financial Literacy Council.
Winners received modest cash prizes and will be honored at a recognition ceremony on February 10 at 10:00am during the regularly scheduled NC Financial Literacy Council virtual meeting (https://www.sosnc.gov/Online_Services/Calendar/Search_Day/4_10_2026).
About the Plan, Save, Thrive Contest
The Plan, Save, Thrive Contest was designed to encourage North Carolina students to think critically and creatively about budgeting and personal finance. Through classroom learning and independent projects, students examined how financial planning contributes to individual success and community stability. Building on the success of this year’s competition, the Financial Literacy Council intends to host the Plan, Save, Thrive Contest again in Spring 2026, continuing its commitment to strengthening financial capability among North Carolina’s youth.
About the North Carolina Financial Literacy Council
The North Carolina Financial Literacy Council is a statewide advisory body charged with advancing financial education for North Carolinians of all ages. Working collaboratively with state agencies, educators, financial institutions, and community partners, the Council promotes financial literacy instruction, evaluates educational initiatives, and encourages best practices to improve financial capability across the state. Financial literacy remains a critical priority in North Carolina. Research consistently shows that individuals with stronger financial knowledge are more likely to budget regularly, maintain emergency savings, and avoid high-cost debt — behaviors that contribute to long-term financial stability. For more information about the Financial Literacy Council and its Spring 2026 Plan, Save Thrive contest, visit www.flc.nc.gov.