State Treasurer Curtis Loftis honors 23 graduates of SC Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program
May 1, 2026
COLUMBIA, S.C. – State Treasurer Curtis Loftis is pleased to recognize the most recent graduates of the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program, an innovative multi-year program designed to increase the number of teachers incorporating personal finance education in the classroom.
As part of the 37th Annual Economics and Financial Literacy Awards Luncheon in West Columbia, 23 educators from across the state were honored for their completion of the bronze, silver and gold levels of the program, which includes specialized training, classroom resources, and financial stipends to promote financial literacy education in K-12 schools.
“I am delighted to celebrate our fifth cohort of Financial Literacy Master Teachers,” stated Treasurer Loftis. “This specialized program empowers skilled educators by providing top-tier professional development and accessible teaching materials. Every year, we are inspired by how these graduates transform their training into impactful lessons that guide both students and colleagues toward smarter financial choices. We appreciate the dedication of these teachers who recognize that by enhancing their own expertise, they are helping others secure a better financial future.”
Sponsored by Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, and in partnership with SC Economics, the South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher Program not only encourages educators to teach personal finance education in their classrooms, but also helps them hold professional development workshops for their fellow educators, increasing the number of teachers sharing financial literacy lessons across the state. To learn more, visit the SCFLMT website: scflmt.org.
About Future Scholar
Future Scholar, South Carolina’s 529 College Savings Plan, is administered through the State Treasurer’s Office. For more information, visit FutureScholar.com or follow @SCStateTreasurer on Facebook. Future Scholar is self-supported and does not receive taxpayer funding.
The 2026 graduating class of South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teachers:
Amanda “Mandy” Hannah- Dixie High
Anna Rhyne- North Central Elementary
Christine “Michelle” Graham- Fairfield Central High
Crystal Banks- Abbeville High
Debbie Sweat- Blythewood High
George Walker- Fairfield Central High
Heather Gregory- Union County Career & Tech Center
Jennifer Scarmack- Low Country Virtual Academy
Justin Davis- L.E. Gable Middle
Karen Boyd- Fairfield Central High
Leslie Parks- St. James High
Linda Dara- Cherrydale Elementary
Meghan “Meg” Gardener- North Central Elementary
Melanie Barker- FIVE High and Middle
Michael Crosby- Sangaree Middle
Nathaniel “Nate” Gilmore- Goose Creek High
Rebekah “Bekah” Watson- A.R. Rucker Middle
Sandee Oliver- St. James High
Sharon Fleming- Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary
Shonita Montford- Orangeburg County Consolidated School District
Tiffany Hutchinson- Spring Hill High School
Tim Ray- Kelly Mill Middle
William “Bill” Joy- Lucy Beckham High
