Musician Carter Hulsey performed a selection of original songs and shared pertinent information regarding financial literacy in the Burkley Fine Arts Center on Wednesday, October 23.
Based out of Nashville, TN Hulsey came to Fairbury as part of a five-day tour visiting Nebraskan schools. The rock artist gave a live showing of his own work before delivering a presentation covering topics such as compound interest, payday lenders and making large purchases. The Nebraska Council on Economic Education reached out to FHS last spring about this opportunity, and business teacher Mrs. Melissa Dux was insistent on taking it.
“I knew the message Carter Hulsey had to share about financial literacy and goal setting would be important for our students to hear,” Mrs. Dux said. “I believed listening to the band would be an entertaining way to communicate that message. As I found out more information, I couldn’t pass up the chance for our students to have this experience.”
With major money decisions including those regarding college on the horizon for many students, the concert provided clarification to a few financial terms in hopes of smoothening out the future. Hulsey shared his own experience with credit card debt and the troubles that came with it. Some listeners were able to take away new and useful information.
“I learned how important credit score is,” sophomore Zane Grizzle said. “I really did not know what it meant at all, but now I know what I need to do to stay ahead in life. I’m sure it was a reality check for more people than myself.”
Johnathan Kerwood ’20, Zachary Swartz ’20, Brock Beed ’20, Seth Firmanik ’20, Jason Hughes ’20, Zane Grizzle ’22 and Noah Davis ’21 pose with band member Scott Fahrig. After the convocation, students were given the opportunity to ask for pictures and signed autographs from the performers. Photo by: B. Novotny
Prior to the life lessons, Hulsey along with two childhood friends as accompanying instrumentalists performed a series of upbeat songs. At times, the music had the audience clapping along to the beat. A group of students found themselves in a makeshift mosh pit directly in front of the stage.
“I really did enjoy the concert,” Grizzle said. “My favorite part was when they told us that they were going to play their last song and Seth [Firmanik ’20], Jason [Hughes ’20] John [Kerwood ’20] and I went up to the stage and got to dance right next to the stage. The part that topped it off was when [Hulsey] gave me his pick and let me play his guitar during the song.”
Along with the fun, individuals who will have to make many financial decisions in the near-future took in an explanation of real-life situations to earn a better understanding of how to be smarter when handling money. The idea of needing to be wise to reach goals was stressed.
“Making wise financial decisions has a profound effect on students’ futures,” Mrs. Dux said. “If students understand how to effectively use their money to achieve their goals, they can make their dreams become realities.”
FHS X-Ray 
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