Sponsoring Financial Literacy One Student at a Time
WILLISTON, Vt., June 15, 2026 – Copper Leaf Financial continues to demonstrate their commitment to promoting personal finance wellness among some Vermont’s youngest residents via a recent collaboration with the business education department of Winooski High School.
The relationship began in November 2025 with a virtual Q&A session between Winooski High School Accounting students and *Davis & Hodgdon CPA’s Accountants. The students were given a firsthand look at what a career in accounting is like as D&H accountants shared their personal experiences, offered honest insights, and answered thoughtful questions from students. The conversation sparked excitement and curiosity, with many students expressing newfound interest in pursuing accounting careers.
Flash forward to May 2026 and Copper Leaf Financial Wealth Advisors Breanna Sykes and Jackie Thibeault hosted the same students for a similar Q&A to discuss careers as a Financial Advisor.
Breanna and Jackie followed up the career Q&A with regular, in-person classroom visits that have centered around helping WHS Personal Finance students with their year-long budget projects.
“The students have been so grateful to have the opportunity to hear how what they are learning in class, applies to the world outside of high school”, said Courtney Poquette, Business and Personal Finance Educator at Winooski High School. “Many students have re-evaluated career plans based on the zoom sessions with Accountants and Financial Planners. Having Financial Planners in class to answer questions and share insight with students as they prepare budgets for the future has been a game changer.”
In addition to classroom work and career discussions, Copper Leaf Financial provided monetary support which allowed every Personal Finance and Accounting student to receive a brand-new financial-related book of their choice this school year. The donation also supported their efforts to celebrate Financial Literacy month in April.
“Working with these students has been inspirational”, said Senior Wealth Advisor Breanna Sykes, CFP®. “At a time when American financial literacy is at an all-time low, it has been an amazing experience to watch these students connect classroom concepts to their own goals and aspirations. It has been a powerful reminder that financial education can help teens build confidence and take an active role in shaping their own futures.”
Copper Leaf Financial, LLC is a fee-only, fiduciary registered investment advisor, serving clients nationwide from offices in Williston and Rutland, VT. The firm provides true wealth management to successful business owners, professionals and families seeking tax-aware, holistic, evidence-based planning and advice. The firm includes a leadership team with licensed CPAs and Certified Financial Planner® professionals who can contribute an unparalleled understanding of how taxes impact your decisions about retirement, estate planning, investments, and insurance. For more information visit www.copperleaffinancial.com.
*Davis & Hodgdon CPAs is an affiliated and separately registered entity.
