Austin High School’s Ultimate Survivors Win LifeSmarts State Competition

Normal, AL—For the second year in a row, the Ultimate Survivors of Austin High School in 
Decatur outwitted, outplayed and outlasted their opponents to become the state LifeSmarts 
champions March 3 at Alabama A&M University. The team will represent Alabama at the National 
Consumers League’s national LifeSmarts competition in Chicago  April 24 through 27.  

The Ultimate Survivors team consist of captain Michael Burnett, Mike Saint, Wendy Schrimsher, 
Summer Tate, Ashley Ladd, and coaches Bethany Kelley and Karen Lovell. Dr. Bernice Wilson, 
an  Alabama Cooperative Extension System urban resource management specialist, is the state 
coordinator of the LifeSmarts program.  

LifeSmarts is considered the ultimate consumer challenge and is open to all teens in grades nine 
through12. The competition focuses on knowledge in five key consumer areas: personal finance, 
health and safety, the environment, technology, and consumer rights and responsibilities. 
LifeSmarts is an educational opportunity that develops consumer and marketplace knowledge 
and skills in a fun, gameshow-style competition. Teams made up of four to five teens compete in 
district and state matches with winners advancing to the regional and national competitions.

“LifeSmarts competitors gain more than information and knowledge,” said Wilson  “They develop 
self-confidence and teamwork, communication and leadership skills. LifeSmarts helps them 
become better decision makers and savvy consumers. Students not only win in a competition, 
they gain the skills to win in life,” said Wilson.

The Ultimate Survivors now must raise more than $2,500 for their trip to the national competition.

“Helping the Ultimate Survivors go to the National LifeSmarts competition helps to ensure the 
future success of our students becoming smart consumers,” said coach Kelley. 

If you wish to make a donation to the LifeSmarts program, please make your check or money 
order payable to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, and mail to: Dr. Bernice Wilson, 
LifeSmarts Coordinator, P.O. Box 967, Normal, AL 35762. 

For more information, please contact Wilson at (256) 372-4969.