CRYSTAL LAKE – Credit card bills, debt, saving, and financing higher education are not often on the minds of most high school students. Yet the financial decisions they make now may have long-term effects on their lives.

American Community Bank and Trust has partnered with EverFi Inc. to launch a new financial education initiative at Crystal Lake Central High School and other area schools.

Crystal Lake Central students were recognized Thursday for their certification in financial literacy through American Community Bank & Trust Financial Scholars Program. Thursday’s assembly in the school’s theater served as a launch for other students about to begin the program.