Middleton High School juniors Sophia Chen and Sophia Pientka were honored as recipients of the 2025 Governor’s Financial Literacy Award in a ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 10. Of the 21 award recipients, Chen and Pientka were the only students.
They were recognized for their Finance for Life project, which helps middle school students in Dane County increase their financial literacy. They teach middle schoolers how to create budgets, make smart spending choices, and see how compound interest helps money grow over time.
Their peer-to-peer model has reached more than 450 students and their aim is to reach 1,000. They’ve taught classes at Kromrey Middle School, Glacier Creek Middle School, Middleton Public Library and Beloit Memorial High School, with plans to expand across Dane County and statewide.
Chen and Pientka are members of Middleton High School’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Their Finance for Life project is now their FBLA chapter’s official community service project. FBLA advisors Mr. Bill Boehm and Mr. Brian Zimdars attended the awards ceremony.
"Sophia Pientka and Sophia Chen's recognition with the Governor’s Financial Literacy Award highlights their leadership and the measurable community impact of their work improving financial literacy for middle school students in Dane County,” said Bill Boehm, Middleton High School teacher and FBLA advisor. “This honor validates the quality of their project, strengthens the Finance for Life initiative, and reflects positively on Middleton High School and our FBLA program."
Boehm and Mr. Brian Zimdars, another FBLA advisor, attended the awards ceremony too.
The award honors individuals and organizations for their efforts to help Wisconsinites build their financial literacy and capability skills. Honorees are selected by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and Capability.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized by Governor Evers for our work,” Chen said. “This recognition was unexpected, which makes it even more meaningful. We’re excited to continue expanding our program across the state and reach more students. Being recognized at this level allows us to show youth that they truly can achieve anything they set their minds to. Behind every award is a great deal of hard work and dedication, so it’s an amazing feeling to see that effort acknowledged.”