A new “UBI Student Financial Center” officially opened at Plainville High School on May 11th, with a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the milestone. The credit union branch, affiliated with the UBI Federal Credit Union, offers a variety of services for Plainville students and staff including account opening, learning real-world banking skills, understanding what an ATM is and how it works, and building smart money habits for the future. Additionally, Plainville High School students will have the opportunity to be considered for internship and job shadow opportunities related to the credit union operations.
During branch construction, a contest was conducted by UBI to create a student mural for the exterior of the branch. Three high school student finalists submitted their design concepts to UBI, and ultimately PHS senior, Riley Marquez, was selected to create the mural that adorns the branch exterior. Riley received a prize for her winning design and the Plainville High School Art Department received a donation from UBI. A branch naming contest was also conducted by UBI, with students and staff members invited to vote for their favorite of five name alternatives. Plainville High School faculty member, Sebastian Fazzino, won the naming contest drawing and received a $100 prize.
Guest speakers at the ribbon cutting ceremony included: Connecticut State Comptroller, Sean Scanlon, Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas, Connecticut State Representative, Rebecca Martinez, Plainville High School Principal, Jennifer De Lorenzo, Connecticut’s Credit Unions President / CEO, Bruce Adams, Connecticut’s Credit Unions VP of Community and Social Impact, Dave Hinchey, UBI Federal Credit Union President / CEO Edward Bohnwagner, lll, and UBI Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing, Fred Brown, who coordinated the event.
“By bringing financial education directly into the school, we are helping students develop lifelong financial skills in a practical and engaging way,” said UBI President/CEO Edward Bohnwagner, lll.
“We are extremely excited to partner with UBI here at Plainville High School. Career Pathway exploration is a priority for our students and this opens doors for students interested in business pathways. We are excited for students to see their financial literacy skills validated through opportunities this partnership will bring to PHS,” said Plainville High School Principal, Jennifer DeLorenzo.
“UBI’s commitment to PCS will directly support our students’ financial literacy journey,” added Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reas.