State Treasurer Larry Pack today presented the second Get a Life Community Volunteer Award to the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce during a financial education budget activity for students at Shady Spring Middle School.

“I am proud to present our second Community Volunteer Award to the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, particularly Joe Guffy and Michelle Rotellini who worked closely with my Office and Shady Spring Middle School to recruit volunteers for our Get a Life event,” Treasurer Pack said. “The Chamber’s work to encourage local business leaders to help our students learn how to start budgeting now is inspiring. Financial literacy is a vital life skill, and I want all West Virginia students to have the opportunity to learn how to make good financial decisions.”

Treasurer Pack presented the award to Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, during Friday morning’s Get a Life event.

“The Chamber is honored to be recognized for our long-standing partnership with the State Treasurer’s Office on the Get a Life program,” Rotellini said. “This recognition truly belongs to Joe Guffy, who for 15 years has led this effort—organizing volunteers, coordinating with schools, and giving students hands-on experience in budgeting. His dedication has helped countless young people better prepare for their futures.”

In the Get a Life program, middle school students are given a realistic family budget and must visit various business stations and manage an expense ledger. The program teaches both basic math skills and problem-solving techniques. 

Treasurer Pack recently announced the Get a Life redesign that now includes a modern look with vibrant colors, coordinating images, and updated budgeting information. There are also new features such as a lucky leprechaun chance card, a spin wheel for students visiting the doctor’s office, and a rebranded “Level Up” table for students to advance their careers.

In addition to the updated materials, there is a new, easy-to-navigate section of the wvtreasury.gov website highlighting Get a Life and other financial education resources.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Treasurer’s financial education staff visited more than 140 middle schools and reached more than 16,000 students. Since it was created in 2008, Get a Life has helped tens of thousands of middle school students.

For more information on Get a Life and other educational resources available through the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, visit www.WVTreasury.gov/Citizens/Financial-Education.