The American Bankers Association announced today the winners of the national teen savings video contest, “Lights, Camera, Save!” Michaela Oh, who was selected by American Riviera Bank (OTC Markets: ARBV) to move on to the national level of the contest, won first place overall in the nation. With her win, Oh takes home a cash prize of $5,000 to fund her savings goal, and proves there really is much to gain by saving.

The “Lights, Camera, Save!” video contest encouraged teens ages 13 to 18 to create an educational video showing how to save and use money wisely in a way that was appealing to other teenagers. Teens submitted videos to their local participating banks who were tasked with promoting a local winner to go on to the national level. The national winners were then selected by a panel of 5 judges composed of leaders from the finance and financial education sectors.

American Riviera Bank hosted the local round of the contest and chose Michaela Oh’s aptly titled video, “Save Your Money and Stay Winning,” as the winning local entry. This move catapulted her onto the national stage, where she shined by winning first place.

“Congratulations to Miss Michaela Oh. Not only has she furthered her own savings goals, but her video will now reach a national audience and help other teens begin savings efforts of their own,” said Jeff DeVine, American Riviera Bank President and CEO, “We know a winner when we see one, and we’re happy that her talents were also recognized at the national level.”

Oh’s win pays off: she received a $5,000 cash prize to fund her savings goal. Additionally, Oh’s video will be featured on the program’s YouTube channel and will become part of a national campaign to make sound money management relevant to teenagers. Beyond this, Oh’s school is also set to benefit as they will receive a scholarship for a teacher to attend the Jump$tart National Educator Conference, where they will gain information and tools to provide financial educational and literacy in their classrooms. 

The “Lights, Camera, Save!” program serves as an entertaining way to educate younger audiences on the important topic of financial literacy and responsibility. American Riviera Bank proves its commitment to financial literacy by bringing programs such as “Lights, Camera, Save!” to local junior highs and high schools as well as offering annual Teen Banking classes.

“As teens start their first jobs and face important financial decisions associated with college, it is crucial that they have a sound base of financial knowledge,” said DeVine, “Here at American Riviera Bank we’re investing in the future of our community by providing the tools needed for the next generations to grow up to be financially literate and responsible.”

See Michaela Oh’s winning entry at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpzGmJSp5RQ

Learn more about Lights, Camera, Save! and see the announcement at: www.lightscamerasave.com