GFA’s Gardner High School Student Advisory Board begins eighth year
Comprised of 12 Gardner High School students, GFA Federal Credit Union’s Student Advisory Board (SAB) convened for the 2019-2020 year.
During the year, October 2019 – June 2020, the group will gain an understanding of not only the role of a Board of Director and governance, but also an understanding of financial services. GFA is also seeking their input on the financial needs of young adults, social media, along with any other information they wish to share. This exchange of information and the partnership formed has proven to be mutually rewarding over the years.
The SAB, led by GFA’s Edmond Perry, 1st VP / Real Estate Sales Development and Gina Vecchi, Retail Mortgage Originator have met three times already this year covering the topics of Board Governance, Roles of Officers and the Election of Officers for the SAB. The Student Advisory Board is made up of twelve Gardner High School Students; Emma Ashmore, Skylar Grenier, Kayla Keenan, Madison Lashua, Khevana Patel, Tyler Pratt, and Samantha Sierra. In addition to 4 students who were elected as Officers for the 2019 -2020 term are Gabby Gonzalez, Treasurer; Alex Luicer, Vice-Chairman; Elijah Cormier, Chairman and Erin Malloy, Secretary.
At the December meeting the students were educated about the Stock Market by Paul Fitzpatrick, SVP/ Investment Management. Mr. Fitzpatrick implemented a mock Stock Market challenge were they were given $10,000 to play the market until the final meeting in June. Additional topics to be covered throughout the year are an overview of account perks and benefits, the difference between banks and credit unions, interview skills and resume building, establishing credit and apply for loans, and mobile/online banking vs. in person banking.
Tina M. Sbrega, President & CEO of GFA Federal Credit Union commented, “Our partnership with Gardner High School is an extension of our commitment to educating members on financial literacy. We are excited for yet another year of working with the Student Advisory Board, helping to develop their skills to assure they are ready for their financial future and to also learn from them.”