Show Faith in a Young Person

Playing Hooky and Saving for College

Like many kids, my older brother went through a period where he didn’t like going to school. He became pretty creative about finding ways to skip class.

School was so close, he didn’t even have to cross a street. On the way, he stopped at a relative’s house and never made it to school. When Mom found out, she started driving him. I hadn’t started kindergarten yet, so I went with them.

One morning when we pulled up to school, the principal met us. He dragged my brother, who was in second grade, kicking and screaming into the building. Mom, who did an incredible job raising us, was understandably upset.

This picture must be a couple of years before my brother decided he no longer wanted to go to school. I’m impressed that my mother could get two children to look at the camera and smile at the same time. And while using film! I have trouble capturing my twins like this, and I can take as many digital pictures as I want.    

I didn’t like seeing Mom upset, and I remember trying to comfort her by promising I’d always go to school when I was old enough. And I pretty much lived up to that promise. I loved her and didn’t want to let her down.

Kids generally don’t want to disappoint their parents, even more so after their parents have invested in them. And this is why I think college savings plans are so successful.

Naperville Central H.S. Takes Home the Win!

Ten outstanding student teams recently competed in the 2026 Illinois Personal Finance Challenge, which I was proud to host in my Springfield office. Naperville Central High School earned first place, with each team member receiving a $1,500 Bright Start college savings scholarship. The students from Neuqua Valley High School captured second place and $1,000 Bright Start scholarships.

Naperville Central advances to the National Personal Finance Challenge finals in Atlanta, Georgia.

These students are making Illinois proud! Know a school that should join the 2027 competition? Teachers can sign up by clicking below!

Out and About: Meeting People Across Illinois

From hosting the Illinois Personal Finance Challenge championship to announcing the return of $2.5 billion in unclaimed property during my time as State Treasurer, the past couple of months have been busy. I’ve also been visiting impactful organizations and meeting constituents around the state.

Click the photo collage above to see more highlights from the road!