 Staff members at Wendler Middle School wanted to teach their students about financial responsibility, so they forged a partnership with Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union. Now, over five years later, the partnership has blossomed into more than they ever realized it could.
Make no mistake: the financial lessons did come to fruition. Professionals from Denali Alaskan FCU and Wendler worked together to create a financial club at the school. Staff members from the credit union have provided banking and credit classes for students, and set up informational booths at school events so both parents and students can enhance their financial management skills.
These accomplishments were certainly impressive, but the scope of the partnership has expanded greatly in the past few years. Catalina Myers, a Denali Alaskan FCU employee, has become a regular volunteer at Wendler. She runs with the cross country team, and helps with track and field meets as well. She organized a school-wide coat drive with students from Wendler’s service learning class. The clothing was donated to local agencies with teen residents, which taught students valuable lessons about giving back to their community. Denali Alaskan FCU staff members can often be found throughout Wendler: volunteering in classrooms, chaperoning dances, and cheering at sporting events.
In addition to these priceless donations of time, Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union also provides financial assistance to the school. It supports the RAMSBUCKS store, which is a student incentive program at Wendler. The credit union has also helped fund student breakfasts, staff lunches, cultural potlucks, and fundraisers. When Wendler teachers wanted to help incoming seventh graders with the transition to middle school, Denali Alaskan FCU supported a RAM Camp for these students before the beginning of the school year.
Denali Alaskan employees are always invited to Wendler school functions. The school is happy to promote the credit union in its newsletter, on its web site, and in the Partnership Press. Whenever Denali Alaskan asks for student volunteers, Wendler students are ready to help.
The students and staff at Wendler are grateful to have such a willing and enthusiastic business partner. SBP coordinator Lori Garreau says, “Denali Alaskan FCU has a very definite interest in the education of all our students, academically as well as emotionally and socially. Denali Alaskan is involved in all levels of education of students at Wendler.” Because of this, the Wendler community would like to acknowledge and thank Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union for its continued support. |
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Catalina Myers poses with her track stars. |
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