ROCHELLE – Saving money is something that many adults struggle with on a day to day basis. The Kiwanis Bringing Up Grades or “BUGS” program is trying to teach kids the importance of saving money and earning good grades.
Members of the Kiwanis organization and the president of the Rochelle’s Central Bank gave a presentation to the second, third and fourth grade classes at Kings Elementary School on Thursday. The talks included the difference between needing vs. wanting to buy something, examples of being successful and earning small amounts of money periodically compared to a large sum at once.
This particular presentation was about saving money and being successful, but the main focus of the BUGS program is on boosting students’ grades.
“The goal is to get them energized to do better and improve their grades,” said Dennis Swinton, Kiwanis member.

Each of the students attending the presentation received a certificate from BUGS, which had a dollar coin attached to it. Along with the certificate, students also received a raffle ticket for a chance to win a bank that counts change or a savings certificate for the bank.
“I have three banks that I purchased years ago and I thought it would be a great idea to fill them with the dollar coins we always put on the certificates,” said Swinton. “Three of the banks are filled with $25 and then a grand prize of $50.”
Providing different programs to children are just one way that the BUGS program supports local schools, it also provides supplies for kids in many schools around the area. The program started at Kings Elementary School a number of years ago, but includes other area grade schools each year.
“We select a different feeder school each year, last year was at Steward and we have done one at Creston,” said Swinton. “Kings this year has been outstanding, they have done a great job.”
The event could not have been successful without all of the help and support from the school and surrounding community.
“I just appreciate all the help I get from the community that we have here,” said Swinton. “Everybody jumps in and helps on this thing; the teachers here are great too.”