by Oct 1, 2025
Participating ICHS freshmen will receive a bag full of supplies to enhance their potential real-life experiences as their responsibilities increase after graduation.
IMLAY CITY — A variety of local businesses are all in when it comes to helping Gen Z’ers learn basic, everyday life skills and the lessons that come along while walking their paths.
‘Reality Check,’ a hands-on experience will help Imlay City High School freshmen contemplate their future, exploring how their current decisions and actions can and will impact their financial wellbeing, says organizer Rob Mette of the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce. He also owns and operates Mette Financial on First Street.
Slated for Friday, October 10, participating students will visit an assortment of interactive ‘Reality Check’ booths to purchase things like insurance, vehicles, housing, etc. and to learn about budgeting, banking, financial planning and more.
Imlay City Mayor Barb Yockey of Barb Yockey Law will kick off the event, which will be held in the Performing Arts Center.
Mette, past Chamber President and current board member, pitched the concept to the board during the height of the COVID pandemic, when he had extra time to research the idea.
“I thought, well, we have all of these businesses as member of the Chamber. Why couldn’t we do this type of event and partner with the high school,” he says.
He got the green light to go ahead when he pitched it again in 2024.
“I first had to see if our members would be interested in participating in this event,” he says. “Not one business I approached said no. I was pleasantly surprised that every business I approached was enthusiastic about being part of it.”
He brought that enthusiasm to high school Principal Josh Henley and Counselor Kortney McCulfor. They, too, were all in.
“This is a really unique event put together by the Imlay City Chamber,” Henley says. “Rob (Mette) has led the charge on this and done a ton of legwork to get this event in place. I’m excited to see what our students take away from it.”
Mette applied for—and received grant funding from both the the Lapeer County Community Foundation and its Youth Advisory Committee for materials. Participating students will receive a canvas bag filled with a clipboard and worksheet, a checkbook and register, and cards that will determine marital status and family size. They’ll take those materials to each booth, which will represent a real-life expense or responsibility—some expected, some not.
This is especially important for Gen Z’ers, Mette says in his grant pitch, because of their extensive screen time and preference for digital interaction.
“In the world we now life in, a lot of the communication happens online,” says Henley. “The importance of soft skills like face to face conversations, making eye contact, and offering a confident handshake can’t be overstated. This event offers a great opportunity to practice those overlooked but essential skills.”
Participants will engage in real-world conversation, develop active listening skills, and sharpen awareness of social cues.
“Overall, the event will not only educate students about the realities of adulthood but also help them refine their communication skills, which are essential for both personal and professional success,” Mette says.
It’s also an opportunity for personal growth, Henley adds.
“Our job is to prepare students for life after graduation, whether on that path that leads to the workforce, trade school, an apprenticeship or college,” he says. No matter the direction they choose, this event addresses a critical life skill that all young adults face, managing their income, bills and personal finances.”
“Reality Check will give students an opportunity to make real world decisions about their future by understanding how income, career choices and monthly expenses intersect.”
Mette and the Chamber Board are excited about another opportunity to promote Chamber member businesses and make a positive impact in the community.
Fellow board members Sheryl Davis of Creekside Cleaning Solutions, Sean Montgomery of Monty’s Farms, and Michon Thompson of King & King CPAs helped coordinate the event.
Participating Chamber member businesses include Milnes Chevrolet, Mette Financial, Creekside Cleaning Solutions, Elite Motor Sales, Imlay City Ford, State Farm—Tricia Kotranza, the Liebler Agency, Tri-County Bank, PNC Bank, King & King CPAs and Hickory Square Apartments.
Volunteers will also man booths involving real estate, utilities, groceries and child care. A similar event for high school seniors will be held in the spring.
For more information on the Imlay City Area Chamber of Commerce call 810- 542-3256 or visit imlaycityareachamberofcommerce.org.
Tri-City Times
P.O. Box 278
594 North Almont Ave.
Imlay City, MI. 48444
1-810-724-0254
Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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