Stephany Diaz Jimenez, a Kennedy High School junior and student in the AVID program, was a top finisher in the statewide BestPrep Student Spotlight competition for her depiction of what financial freedom means. 

High school students from across Minnesota responded to a prompt about the financial freedom to make choices and take control of their life and future. Students reflected on what this means to them and submitted their thoughts through a variety of mediums. Diaz Jimenez submitted a drawing.

“The organic wisdom of the tree contrasted against the structured potential of the city in my drawing illustrates that financial literacy is the natural process of turning knowledge into tangible freedom and influence,” explained Diaz Jimenez in her submission. 

A panel of judges placed Diaz Jimenez’s drawing in the top 20 out of nearly 300 entries. As a top finisher, she and KHS teacher Staci Buchanan attended the BestPrep Educational Forum on Feb. 11 where they heard from nationally recognized keynote speakers talk about financial literacy.

BestPrep is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization focused on preparing students with business, career and financial literacy skills. The AVID program uses BestPrep programs to connect students to networking events, scholarships, mentors, and guest speakers.