April Declared Financial Literacy Month by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves

Jackson, MS — December 9, 2024 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce the election of Christy Holyfield as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Fiscal Year 2025. With a distinguished career in the banking industry and a commitment to community development, Christy brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. With 17 years of experience in the banking industry, Christy Holyfield serves as Regional Support Officer for Citizens National Bank’s Central Mississippi Region. In this position, she assists with strategic planning and provides operational oversight regarding the Bank’s three locations in the Jackson Metro area which include Madison, Ridgeland and Flowood with plans to expand into Gluckstadt soon. Christy also serves on a select committee of the Bank which is designed to ensure that employee morale remains high, and the Bank’s corporate culture continues to be very positive throughout its 27 branch locations. In addition, she plays an integral role in eh planning of company-wide annual meetings and bank-hosted events, as well as monthly employee meetings, which provide ongoing sales training for the Bank’s retail employees. Throughout her career at the Bank, she has been recognized numerous times through the Bank’s High Performance Award program. Christy is a key contributor to the region’s community development initiatives and manages her region’s relationships with many local community partners, including various non-profit organizations where she often volunteers her time. A graduate of Mississippi College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Christy and her husband, Lance, are proud parents of two sons, and the family attends Pinelake Church in Brandon. “I am honored to serve as Chair of the Board for the Mississippi Council on Economic Education,” said Christy Holyfield. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members to enhance economic education across our state and empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to succeed.”  For more information on economic education resources and programs in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi Council on Economic Education’s website at www.mscee.org . About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving economic literacy among K-12 students through innovative educational programs and resources. MCEE partners with schools, educators, and communities to promote understanding of economic concepts and empower students to make informed financial decisions. Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education Phone: (601) 937-1424 Email: mscee@millsaps.edu Website: www.mscee.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Governor Tate Reeves Proclaims October as Economic Education Month in Mississippi Jackson, MS – October 3, 2024 – In a significant move to enhance financial literacy and economic understanding among the youth, Governor Tate Reeves has officially declared October as Economic Education Month in Mississippi. This proclamation underscores the vital role that economic education plays in preparing K-12 students for future financial responsibility and informed citizenship. In Mississippi, economics is a required course for high school graduation, reflecting the state’s commitment to equipping students with essential skills to navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape. By emphasizing economic education, we are not only fostering critical thinking but also preparing our young people to make sound financial decisions that will benefit their families and communities. “Understanding economics is crucial for the personal and professional success of our students,” said Governor Reeves. “As we celebrate Economic Education Month, let us reaffirm our dedication to providing our young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today’s economy.” The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) plays a pivotal role in this effort, offering resources, training, and support to educators across the state. Their initiatives aim to make economic concepts accessible and engaging, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn about personal finance, entrepreneurship, and the principles of economics. “At the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, we believe that learning economics should be both accessible for teachers and engaging for students. Our mission is to provide K-12 grade educators with the tools they need to teach these important concepts, while also creating fun, interactive experiences that spark students’ curiosity and interest in the economy.” — Selena Swartzfager, President, MS Council on Economic Education. “Economics at its most basic is decision making. All of us live economics every day and if we are educated on good decision making skills, with an understanding that wants are unlimited but resources are limited, we will be better citizens,” states Swartzfager. For more information on economic education resources and programs in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi Council on Economic Education’s website at www.mscee.org. About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education The Mississippi Council on Economic Education is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving economic literacy among K-12 students through innovative educational programs and resources. MCEE partners with schools, educators, and communities to promote understanding of economic concepts and empower students to make informed financial decisions.  Contact: Mississippi Council on Economic Education Phone: (601) 974-1325 Email: mscee@millsaps.edu Website: www.mscee.org