A Collinsville High School student was chosen to serve on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Student Board of Directors for the second time in the three-year history of the program.
Sam Caputo
CHS senior Sam Caputo joins Bryan Hoyt, who was a member of the inaugural board in 2012, to achieve the honor. The board is 12 high school seniors from the St. Louis metropolitan area selected by the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank staff.
Students chosen have an interest in economics or personal finance, are leaders in their school and show a commitment to self-improvement through participation in activities outside of the classroom. Caputo is leaning toward majoring in chemistry, but jumped at the chance to apply to be a member of the Student Board of Directors.
“It’s a great opportunity that will help me in college” Caputo said. “And, I will have a chance to learn more about economics, and see if I want to go into business.”
CHS business teacher Vicki Fuhrhop, who nominated Caputo for the honor, said it is a great leadership opportunity for students who come from all over the St. Louis area. Caputo, who was approached about the opportunity by his economics teacher, Mark Schusky, is a good fit for the board, Fuhrhop said.
“He’s hardworking, dedicated, gets along great with his peers and participates in school and extracurricular activities,” Fuhrhop said.
Caputo and his twin brother Alex are members of the Kahok baseball team. Caputo is also the president of the Student Council and a member of the Kahok Krazies fan club. Caputo’s father, Dave, said he is proud of his hard-working son, who will have an experience not many high school students have.
“Anytime a high school student can be exposed to something as overarching as the Federal Reserve, it will help them understand how our country works, from the central bank side,” Dave Caputo said.
The 12-member Board will meet for 90 minutes every other month this academic year, beginning in October. In addition to learning about the Federal Reserve Bank, the students will discuss economics, personal finance and leadership.
The students will also hear from guest speakers, which will include community leaders and members of the senior Federal Reserve staff. One student will be awarded an internship at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank.
Caputo had a taste of the Student Board of Directors at a welcome luncheon. The event was more than just a chance to meet the other directors and explore the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The students were given an assignment, be completed before they arrived, to learn about the history of the Federal Reserve Bank and monetary policy. The Directors will receive an assignment to be completed before each meeting, Caputo said.
Caputo’s time on the board will serve him well, regardless of his ultimate career choice, Fuhrhop said.
“It is such great experience for the student to hear from professionals about how important these things are as they head out into the world as adults,” Fuhrhop said.
