In this story: Allegacy Chairwoman Johnston: "It’s never too early to teach our students how to manage their finances." Students to receive academic credit for running branch. Reagan Principal Elrod praises Allegacy’s commitment. Congresswoman Foxx, other dignitaries on hand. More pictures avilable on Flickr! (click here)

Pictured (from left): LaShonda Hariston (Allegacy Board of Directors), Stan Elrod (Reagan High School Principal), Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, Ike Keener (Allegacy president/CEO), June Atkinson (NC State School Superintendent), Dr. Don Martin (Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Superintendent) and Gloria Whisenhunt (Chair, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners).

After more than a year’s worth of planning and three weeks after opening for business, Allegacy Federal Credit Union joined with elected leaders and other guests to dedicate the Raider Student Credit Union at Ronald W. Reagan High School in Pfafftown on Monday, September 15th. The event, which was held in the school’s media center, underscored the deep partnership between Allegacy and Reagan, which dates back to the school’s opening in 2005.

Reagan Principal Stanley M. Elrod praised Allegacy for providing students at the school a powerful educational experience. "For them, it’s not about money," Elrod said of Allegacy, "it’s about how they can serve the students."

Elrod also noted that the student branch would be a key addition to the school. "While all of the educators and administrators here at Reagan appreciate the importance of studying subjects like history, science and language, we also recognize that financial literacy is an essential part of delivering our Reagan Raiders a well-rounded education. And today’s ceremonies are a testament to our commitment to delivering our future graduates a top-notch education."

"We are very excited to celebrate the opening of this student-run branch of our credit union at Reagan," said Allegacy President and CEO Ike Keener. "It reinforces our commitment to the community and the underlying importance of early financial literacy."

Allegacy Board Chairwoman Ann Johnston echoed Keener’s comments, noting that, "It’s never too early to teach our children how to manage their finances."

The Raider Student Credit Union opened for business on August 25th, the first day of the new school year. In the weeks since classes began, more than 45 students have joined the credit union. Student members in attendance donned Allegacy tee-shirts.

Any Reagan student and their family members are eligible to join the Raider Student Credit Union. Approximately 12 students have signed on so far to participate as employees. Working at the Reagan Allegacy branch is part of the school’s Business Advanced Studies of the CTE curriculum designed to give students real work-life experience, financial literacy and marketing credit.

The branch dedication and ribbon cutting drew many elected leaders. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx praised the school and Allegacy for their commitment, and underscored the unique place credit unions occupy in the financial services marketplace. Foxx, who opened her remarks by declaring she is a credit union member, praised credit unions as "one of the best options for people."

Foxx, herself a former teacher, said the students running the branch would gain valuable insight into running a business. "Life skills come through life experience, and that’s what you’re doing here," Foxx noted.

In addition to Congresswoman Foxx, NC State Superintendent of Schools June Atkinson, Forsyth County Schools Superintendent Donald Martin and Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines attended the event.

The Raider Student Credit Union is the latest project Allegacy has rolled out at Reagan. The credit union also sponsors programs designed to promote and reward athletic and academic excellence at the school. The length and depth of Allegacy’s commitment moved Elrod to say, "It is truly a partnership."

Representatives of the three local television news stations covered the press conference and ribbon cutting. See web article from WFMY-TV by clicking here, and WXII-TV coverage by clicking here.