In early April the Financial Literacy program launched an app for student use developed by senior Bryan Chung. He worked on the project for a few hours every week since last summer. 

The Financial Literacy program, he said, has meant much to him. It is one thing to be appreciative and another to build an app. Bryan has long been interested in computers, and the summer before his freshman year in high school, he wanted to learn how to build a website and/or app. He watched YouTube videos; he read a lot of books. He ended up working with the Loomis Chaffee Information Technology Department, primarily Senior Systems Administrator Patti Donovan, on the financial literacy app.  

A major part of the Financial Literacy program last year was the development of pelicoin, a virtual currency system used as a tool to teach personal finance to students.  

“Bryan has been an invaluable asset to the Financial Literacy program,” said Linda Fisher, the program’s director. 

The app, she said, “fundamentally changes record-keeping, reporting, scheduling, purchasing, transfers, and donations of pelicoin. He put countless volunteer hours into developing the application. He did it out of interest and to improve the program.” 

Linda said Bryan is among the top students she has taught in the last 19 years. That is especially high praise when you consider that she spent eight years in the Economics Department at Quinnipiac University.  

“I have learned a lot in the program,” Bryan said. Students learn about management of resources, whether it be about filing taxes, buying a car, purchasing insurance, or the variables of the stock market. Events often are held at night and always optional. Students receive pelicoin for participating in events, which then can be used for such things as gift cards, purchases in the bookstore, or giving money to charity.    

Last year Bryan achieved the highest charitable giving in the program. He contributed 386 pelicoin, which converted to a $77 donation from the program to Our Companions Animal Rescue. Bryan took part in 14 in-person events. This year, Bryan is still giving to the animal rescue and won the award for charitable giving, sharing the top spot with senior Eli Krasnoff. Both gave more than 1,200 pelicoin ($287), Linda said.  

Bryan won the Junior Mathematics Award and the Junior Science Award last year. He has not yet decided on which college he will attend but said he mostly likely will major in computer science. “In general,” he said, “I’m interested in using computer science for practical applications to help out aspects of my community.” 

 Right now, that community is Loomis and the animals at the rescue sanctuary.