LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. — Michigan First Credit Union recently treated its student branch "staffers" to a pancake breakfast and award ceremony.
The credit union has student branches at seven Southfield elementary and middle schools. The program is held annually at the end of the school year to recognize the students' accomplishments and to congratulate them on the money they deposited into their savings accounts through the program. It is also a time to recognize the school that opened the most new accounts and had the most deposit dollars.
Since the Michigan First Student Branch Program began in 2001, it has had great success. Students participating in the program hold various positions including Branch Managers, Assistant Managers, Tellers, Computer Operators, Bookkeepers and Greeters. This year, over 140 students applied for these positions. On school banking days, which are supervised by Michigan First employees, students wear Michigan First logo shirts and name badges.
This year, Stevenson Elementary School, with 54 new accounts and over $16,000 in student deposits, took home the top honors. Overall, the seven schools generated over $39,000 in student deposits with an additional $2,500 from the 160 new accounts opened.
"The success of the program is due to building solid educational partnerships and assisting schools in our field of membership with educating young people about the benefits of credit union membership and how to save and manage money," said Michigan First CU President/CEO Michael Poulos.
Prior to the breakfast and awards ceremony, students were challenged to memorize the Mission, Vision and Core Value Statement of the credit union. This year's challenge winner was Jennifer Wardell of Leonhard Elementary, who recited the statement in front of all the attendees. Wardell was presented with a Beanie Baby and gift card.
After the breakfast, students received a tour of the offices in the Michigan First headquarters.
The schools and principals participating in the Michigan First CU student-run branch program include Alder Elementary, Janet Jones, principal; Birney Middle School, Sterling Russell, principal; Brace-Lederle K-8 School, Andrea Hamlar, principal; Laurus Academy, Raul Calderon, principal; Leonhard Elementary, Vicki Perry, principal; McIntyre Elementary, Greg Kubasiewicz, principal; and Stevenson Elementary, Dr. B. K. Hentrel, principal.
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