On March 15, Virginia high school seniors will spend the day shadowing bankers at River Community Bank, N.A. as part of Bank Day, a statewide effort sponsored by the Virginia Bankers Association (VBA) Education Foundation and the Virginia Bankers Association Leadership Division.

“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 River Community Bank, N.A. plays in its community,” according to a press release.

The third Tuesday in March was declared Bank Day by the Virginia General Assembly in 1991 and River Community Bank, N.A. 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, twelve students will receive scholarships totaling $26,000, according to the release.

During their visit, the students will visit various bank departments and learn about the loan process, the importance of good credit and how River Community Bank, N.A. is involved in the community.

“Bank Day is one of the best short-term, hands-on experiences that a classroom teacher 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 and CEO of the Virginia Bankers Association.

“I believe Bank Day is an event that will be remembered by the participants in addition to having the opportunity to win scholarships,” said Ron Haley, president and CEO of River Community Bank, N.A. 

River Community Bank, N.A., headquartered in Martinsville, is a totally independent community bank operating retail banking offices in Stuart, Stanleytown, Martinsville, and Drakes Branch.