DEWAYNE HOLLOWAY|dewayne@mcnews.online
CADDO HILLS – Caddo Hills and Diamond Bank USA have partnered together to launch a banking program for students in the upcoming school year.
Caddo Hills High School Principal Justin Neel announced to middle school and high school students Thursday, February 9, that Indian Nation Bank would open at Caddo Hills School in the 2023-24 school year. The project is made possible through a partnership with Diamond Bank USA.
Principal Neel explained that the partnership will provide Caddo Hills students an opportunity to learn aspects of the banking industry while in high school. They will have the opportunity through banking classes to learn about teller and loan operations at the local branch, Indian Nation Bank.
Neal recognized Daniel Lopez, a student at Caddo Hills High School. Lopez circulated a petition in favor of the program once he learned it was coming to the school. Lopez stated before the assembly that he has always wanted to work in a bank as a teller. The program will allow him and other students an opportunity to learn banking while in school. It will also allow him an opportunity to possibly intern at Diamond Bank USA.
Indian Nation Bank will replace the school store, Native Supply Company, and will provide students an opportunity to learn the banking industry first hand. Students will use Caddo Cash through the bank to make in-school purchases.
In addition to on-campus classes and experience, students will have opportunities to intern at the Glenwood branch of Diamond Bank USA. The goal is to have students ready to go to work in a local bank by the time they graduate high school.
Business teacher Abigail Laughery is instrumental in bringing this new opportunity to Caddo Hills Students. She stated that her experience as an employee at Diamond Bank USA led her to start the program.
David Burton, Chief Deposits Operations Officer, and John Gibbs, President, addressed the students. Both men started their careers in banking as tellers and worked their way up the ranks into their current positions. Leah Younger, Market President, was also present to represent Diamond Bank USA.
