Three GSD students took the field at a recent Real Salt Lake match at Rio Tinto Stadium to the applause of thousands of rain-soaked fans in the stands.

Rather than being cheered for scoring a goal, Granite District students Ellie Garvin, Victoria Schmidt, and Kelly Lopez were lauded for making big saves in their own lives by building foundations for a lifetime of financial well-being.

Their halftime recognition came from The Foundation for a Financially Aware Nation, an organization devoted to helping youth learn skills for successful money management.

Ellie and Victoria will be continuing courses at the Academy of Finance at Skyline High School over the next two years, and Kelly achieved her Financial Literacy badge with the Girl Scouts.

In addition, The Foundation recognized teachers Julie Allred, Ashley Merrill, and Syd Lott of Skyline High School for excellence in teaching financial literacy.

“We want to make sure kids are aware of the financial pitfalls that await them after they graduate,” said Foundation for a Financially Aware Nation founder Larry Schmidt. “These students and teachers understand the importance of knowing how to properly manage money.”