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Show New 'Bank' Operated By High School Group Students at Panguitch High School are participating in a unique program sponsored by Zions First National Bank in Panguitch. In its third year at the school, the Tuesday opening of a mock financial institution was marked by a "ribbon-cutting ceremony" and speeches by "bank officials", followed by refreshments. The Utah Bankers Association devised the course with assistance from numerous education specialists. Called "You and Your Bank" the two-week course teaches the elements of checking, savings and credit to the high school students who establish their own "bank" to achieve their goals. Bank specialist Hazel Houston assisted high school teacher Maloy Dodds with the course. Students have named their "bank" the Bank of Southern Utah and selected bank officers and employees. Acting president is John Seaman, manager of Zions First National Bank in Panguitch. Student "officers" are (Continued on Page 6) Students Operate Own Bank (Continued from Page 1) Kris Barney, manager and Patrice Proctor, assistant manger with Dale' Ipson serving as loan officer. In charge of customer service are Troy Leach and Bret Christensen. Tellers are Michelle Linford, Laurie Henrie, Tony Knighton and Heidi Hepworth. William Hooper and Kerry LeFevre are security guards. Students use stage money for deposits and withdrawals, fill out loan applications, write checks and perform other regular banking . transactions, rotating with the bank employees to learn more about how banks work. Garfield School District Supt. Henry Jolley, who was present for the opening of the new bank em phasized the Importance1 of the free economic system ana said the students' experience in a hands on operation of a model banking institution should prove invaluable to them. He lauded Zions Bank for the program which he said was a "fine demonstration of' a corporate banking institution working with the public schools to teach correct concepts and principles." Principal Bennett Josie noted that young married couples most frequently face problems centered on finances and teaching young people to manage finances would help to avoid that pitfall. He pointed put the important role that finaicial institutions play in everyone's life. Panguitch High School teacher Maloy Dodds especially thanks Mrs. Houston for her dedication to the program and the students. He too pointed out that marital problems often evolve from financial complications in a marriage. Mrs. Houston thanked supporters of the program, saying that in her capacity as a bank employee she regularly sees the problems that people encounter from an inability to properly manage their money where even a basic education in money management could frequently solve their problem. She noted the students' aptitude for their new jobs at Bank of Southern Utah which she said merely points up the tremendous potential of the new program. |