COLUMBIA, SC (May 20, 2026) |
The Palmetto Citizens Foundation, a charitable giving organization committed to giving back to local communities, has named Tammi Strong of Airport High School the 2026 Youth Financial Educator of the Year. Strong received the honor and a $1,000 cash prize during Teacher Appreciation Night at the Columbia Fireflies baseball game on Sunday, May 17.
“Tammi Strong has made a lasting impact on students by helping them build confidence and knowledge around financial wellness at an early age,” said Emilie Lewis, executive director of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation. “Her dedication to empowering young people with practical financial skills reflects the mission of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation, and we are proud to recognize her as this year’s Youth Financial Educator of the Year.”
Now in its 21st year, the Youth Financial Educator of the Year Award is an annual Palmetto Citizens initiative that celebrates educators who go above and beyond to equip students with vital financial skills for life. The surprise on-field presentation was made by Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union Mortgage Loan Officer Lakin Britton, an Airport High School graduate.
“Teaching financial education to high school students is crucial because it empowers students to effectively manage money, understand debt and its long-term effects and build wealth for the future,” Strong said. “It also provides students with the skills to make better financial decisions when budgeting.”
Strong teaches Advanced Personal Finance, Accounting 1 and 2 and Business Data Applications for 10th, 11th and 12th graders at Airport High School. She incorporates six-month budgeting simulations in her classes and real-world application projects to teach students how to responsibly purchase a house or car. Next school year, Strong plans to incorporate the use of AI tools in her classroom to teach students how to use them effectively for future financial planning and investing.
Founded as a teachers’ credit union, Palmetto Citizens has long supported financial education by supporting teachers and students directly through grants and scholarships, as well as partnering with local schools to provide resources, guest speakers and instructional materials.
