20 Years Strong: Money Madness Continues to Shape Financial Futures for Local Teens

GROTON, Conn. – Students from five high schools – Academy of the Holy Family, Lyman Memorial High School, Norwich Free Academy, Montville High School, and Wheeler High School – convened at Connecticut College on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 for the 20th Annual Money Madness seminar presented by Chelsea Groton Bank. 

The half-day seminar opened with keynote speaker, Felix Reyes, Director of Economic Development and Planning for the City of New London, Connecticut. Felix has served in this role for four years and has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial real estate, planning, design, and construction industries. A graduate of New London High School, Felix earned an associate's degree in architectural science, studied urban planning in Berlin, Germany, and completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. 

Felix shared stories from his personal and professional journey, encouraging students to believe in themselves and trust where their passions might lead. He spoke candidly about facing challenges, learning from setbacks, and having the confidence to keep moving forward. He emphasized the importance of knowing your “why”, which is the fuel behind motivation, and reminded students that “the most important person who has to believe in you is you.” He also encouraged staying open to learning in any form, owning mistakes as part of growth, and rising to face new challenges.

The day included several breakout sessions on the topics of cybercrime and identity theft, budgeting, credit, and an introduction to investing. Students also participated in a Reality Fair where they experienced real world financial situations and had to make purchasing decisions based on their assigned income level and the impact their choices would have on their overall financial wellness. Representatives leading the breakout sessions and Reality Fair were from the Better Business Bureau CT, United Way, and Chelsea Groton.

To wrap up the day, trivia questions pertaining to the day’s keynote address and break-out activities were asked to test what the students learned.

“Money Madness offers students a meaningful introduction to financial wellness by connecting practical guidance with real-life situations,” explained Miria Morgan, AVP, Community Education Officer at Chelsea Groton Bank. “The program gives young adults a clearer understanding of the financial decisions they’ll face as they take their next steps. That real-world perspective helps make financial education both relevant and lasting.” 

In addition to the annual Money Madness event, Chelsea Groton Bank also delivers financial wellness programs at local schools on a regular basis and offers complimentary access to the Bank’s Chelsea University online learning hub for all members of the community.

To learn more about Chelsea Groton Bank’s Chelsea University or to schedule a workshop, please visit www.chelseagroton.com/ChelseaUniversity.

About Chelsea Groton Bank

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.7 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank’s products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning and financial education classes. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.