A star performance in Savings Race 5

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - It's vocal warm-ups for Wright State Theater students, including Savings Race 5 participant, Christy Carson, in what could be a warm up for Christy's collegiate career.

“Before the Savings Race I hadn't even really considered Wright State,” Carson said. “But because we were looking into our mentor colleges, I decided to look into their acting program and I found out I'm really, really interested in it.”

As part of the mentoring, Christy and her mom meet with Wright State's artistic director,  W. Stuart McDowell, who's impressed with Christy's discipline to save for college while still a junior in high school.

“Any help the students can have in getting to college affordably should be pursued,” said McDowell. “I think it's a terrific idea.”

Particularly if she chooses a financially challenging career as an actor.

McDowell said because students that are cast in shows spend so much time on campus, it's hard for them to hold other jobs because the of the extensive demands for rehearsals and performing.

And that makes savings a top priority for Christy's mom.

“I think that's really important, especially if she's going to go into acting, that she know how to manage her money well,” said Jeri Carson.

Christy says, so far, she's making all the right moves.

“Right now I'm mostly working on my savings both in my savings account and my college advantage savings plan.”  

“Team Christy is doing very well,” said Savings Race 5 coach Amanda. “They've been able to save over $15,000 just by taking tips from the classes they’ve been taking and advice of their coaches.”