On March 21, high school seniors will spend the day shadowing bankers at Bank of Botetourt and The Bank of Fincastle as part of Bank Day, a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) Education Foundation and the VBA Emerging Bank Leaders. The purpose of the day is to expose students to the banking industry and provide an opportunity for the students to learn about banking, financial services and the vital role Bank of Botetourt plays in its community.
For more information on how to participate, contact the school’s Guidance Department, a local Bank of Botetourt office or Cindy Bailey at The Bank of Fincastle at 966-0248.
The third Tuesday in March was declared Bank Day by the Virginia General Assembly in 1991 and Bank of Botetourt is proud to host students for this important program. From their experience, participating students will write an essay for the chance to win a scholarship. Six regional scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded, and from those six winners an overall statewide winner will be chosen. The statewide winner will receive an additional $5,000 scholarship and receive $7,500 in total. There will also be six honorable mention scholarships of $1,000 each. In all, 12 students will receive scholarships totaling $26,000.
During their visit, the students will visit various bank departments and learn about the loan process, the importance of good credit, the profile of a qualified borrower, deposit products, bank income and expense, technology and IT security, E-commerce, how Bank of Botetourt is involved in the community, the Federal Reserve System, payments, etc.
“At Bank of Botetourt, we take our slogan ‘Taking Care of You’ seriously. We feel that the financial education of our youth is one more way the bank serves our communities. VBA Bank Day offers high school seniors the unique opportunity to experience community banking at its finest. They learn about banking, financial services and the vital role in their communities. We are proud to partner with the VBA to offer this scholarship opportunity,” said Lyn Hayth, President & CEO of Bank of Botetourt.
“Each year we look forward to hosting local high school seniors who are interested in learning about the banking industry and The Bank of Fincastle.” said Scott Steele, President and CEO of The Bank of Fincastle. “During their visit, students will tour our historic branch in Fincastle, learn about the lending process, the importance of good credit and saving for the future, as well as The Bank of Fincastle’s Healthy Living Initiative and community involvement.”
“Bank Day is one of the best short-term, hands-on experiences that classroom teachers can offer their students— the opportunity to go inside the bank vault, to watch customer/bank officer interaction, to learn about the many services that banks offer, and to start the networking that often leads to part-time and summer jobs, scholarships, and a start on a career path in the financial world,” said Bruce Whitehurst, President & CEO of the Virginia Bankers Association.
