Piggy hunt helps make 'cents' of finance lessons

SANDPOINT — High energy reigned last week at Sandpoint Charter School during the Horizon Credit Union’s famed Piggy Hunt.

Starting last week and continuing into the next, Sandpoint Charter School students were on the hunt in an elaborate treasure hunt. By following 12 clues scattered around the school, the students aimed to locate a little blue piggy bank, and they had some pretty strong motivation to do so.

The first person to find the piggy earned $500, keeping half and donating the other portion to a charity of his or her choosing. That person turned out to be Isabella Mortenson, who located the first prize piggy last Friday.

However, the Piggy Hunt was much more then a fun break from school routine.

Rather then following the clues from Point A to Point B, the participants undertake a variety of challenges designed to test their skills at money management. Each phase of the hunt introduced a new concept like entrepreneurship or tax responsibilities. Every completed challenge earned the player a stamp in their piggy hunt passport.

“The participants need to acquire a knowledge of financial literacy before they’re able to progress to the next clue,” Horizon Credit Union representative Therese Goodwin said.  

The event kicked off at the beginning of the month. Horizon Credit Union representatives teamed up with the library staff to set up the series of brain teasing clues.

In mid-May, the event organizers dropped by the campus for a sunny afternoon and plenty of outdoor activities. A Schwan’s truck and loads of pizza set the expedition off to a good start as students continued their investigation.

However, the game is far from over. A second and third-place piggy, worth $175 and $125 respectively are still available. In addition, all who completely fill out their passport will have a chance to win a random drawing for a fourth $100 prize.

Last week and this week were tense ones at Sandpoint Charter School as Piggy Hunt participants raced for the finish.