Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
In 2022, South Carolina enacted legislation requiring high school students to complete a half-credit personal finance course as a graduation requirement. This mandate applies to students entering ninth grade in the 2023–2024 school year, making the Class of 2027 the first to graduate under this new rule.
While the legislation is relatively new, the push for financial literacy in Barnwell County has been growing for years—thanks to dedicated community members and educators who recognized the need long before it became law.
Among the local leaders playing key roles in implementing the program are SRP Federal Credit Union Barnwell branch manager Angela Cotton, Mrs. Kames Furtick of Barnwell High School, and Mrs. Annette Felder of Blackville-Hilda High School. These individuals are working closely with students to bring financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and credit management into the classroom in practical, engaging ways.
Students in the financial literacy class at Blackville-Hilda High School take part
in activities led by SRP Federal Credit Union staff.
Cotton, who heads financial literacy and outreach at SRPFCU’s Barnwell branch, said the credit union’s involvement began when school representatives approached them about hosting educational sessions. “We were already offering financial literacy programs in the community, so it was a natural extension to welcome students into the branch,” she said.
One of SRPFCU’s standout teaching tools is an interactive activity called “Spend, Save and Share,” where students use Smarties candies to represent money. They’re tasked with distributing their candy-budget across needs like housing and transportation—and then managing emergencies that pop up mid-lesson. “It makes budgeting real for them,” Cotton said.
In addition to creative classroom activities, Cotton shares real-life examples—like how her son began building credit at 18 using a share-secured loan, and how her daughter-in-law used a small credit card solely for gas to build a strong credit history. She also encourages parents to open joint savings and checking accounts with their teens.
Financial literacy students at Barnwell High School take part in interactive activities called "Spend, Save & Share" at SRP Federal Credit Union.
“It’s about having skin in the game and learning money management before they leave home,” she said.
SRPFCU backs these lessons with resources for both students and families, including licensed financial counselors, free credit consultations, and mobile tools to track FICO scores and spending. Cotton says her main goal is to prepare students for unexpected expenses and long-term success. “Even a flat tire can become a financial crisis if you’re not ready,” she noted.
For Barnwell County residents, the requirement is also a realization of the vision held by the late John McHenry, a former branch manager of Regions Bank in Barnwell who was a passionate advocate for financial education. McHenry’s mission began after he encountered a recent high school graduate who didn’t understand how to cash a check. That moment, shared with colleague Holly Evans, drove him to create programs that taught basic financial skills to students.
McHenry worked with Regions Bank to start a school banking program at a local elementary school, helping students open real savings accounts and learn about deposits, forms, and financial growth. He also taught personal finance lessons to Junior ROTC students, covering essential skills like budgeting, balancing checkbooks, and managing accounts.
“John believed deeply in teaching financial literacy early so young people could avoid hardship later in life,” said his widow, Renee McHenry. She added that he’d be proud of the state’s new requirement—especially knowing that their youngest daughter is part of the pilot program. “He always said it didn’t matter how much money you made. If you didn’t know how to manage it, you could lose it just as fast.”
While Renee sees areas where the curriculum can improve—particularly in budgeting, one of John’s favorite topics—she views the change as a long-overdue step in the right direction.
Through classroom partnerships, community outreach, and the lasting influence of leaders like McHenry, Barnwell County is helping ensure that students don’t just graduate with diplomas—they leave school with the tools to manage their futures.
