State Rep. John Ward, DFL-Baxter, joins Gov. Mark Dayton, the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Department of Commerce to encourage area students to participate in the annual Financial Literacy Essay Contest.

The contest is open to all Minnesota students in grades 3-5. The students are invited to submit a 300-word essay in response to the question, “If you were 100 years old, what three things would you tell your grandchildren to do to make smart financial decisions for their future?”

The Section 6A Speech Tournament on Saturday, April 13, marked the end of a long and successful season for many on the Pequot Lakes speech team, but the season isn’t over for four team members.

Luke Fyle (senior), Marissa Miller (senior), Abby Person (eighth grade) and Angela Cole (junior) will compete Saturday, April 20, at the Class A State Tournament at Blaine High School. They qualified for state by placing in the top three of their respective categories.

What’s in it for me? How does it relate to my life?

As an economics teacher at Pequot Lakes High School, I am often asked these questions by my students. Perhaps one of the easiest topics in which to show practicality concerns that of personal finance.

Throughout this year, Pequot Lakes High School has worked in conjunction with Central Lakes College in offering a Personal Finance and Money Management course within our high school economics class.

The Pelican Lakes 4-H Club held its regular monthly meeting March 18 at the Pelican Lakes Conservation Clubhouse.

President Courtney LaRock presided over the meeting. Members reported on their participation in the Crosslake St. Patrick’s Day Parade and discussed the upcoming Pelican Lakes Roadside Pickup that they help with annually.

The Bob and Aundra Erickson family was the host family.