Everything old is new again. For Breckinridge County High School, that means the return of Tiger One Bank, sponsored by First State Bank.
First State Bank originally sponsored Tiger One, a student-run and operated bank at Breckinridge County High School, from 1998-2010. Nine years later, in March of 2019, First State Bank president Blake Willoughby began looking into getting Tiger One back up and running again. Only this time, Blake wanted to take Tiger One to another level.
Students of BCHS ages 16 and older are now able to open First State Bank checking or savings accounts on-site, and those students who are already First State Bank account holders can make deposits and withdrawals at the Tiger One location inside BCHS. Accounts are also available to those under the age of 16 – please inquire within or contact us at one of our First State Bank branches. This service, to our knowledge, is offered by only two other high schools in Kentucky.
“First State Bank is so excited to re-open Tiger One Bank, ” Blake said. “It is a project I am immensely proud of in its potential to increase accessibility of First State Bank for many of our younger customers, supplement the Breckinridge County school system’s educational opportunities, and provide a unique experience to Breckinridge County High School students.”
It was perfect timing since the state of Kentucky was placing more emphasis on high school students completing career pathways and also since BCHS was getting ready for major renovations, which included adding a grand staircase in the middle of the commons area going up to the second floor.
The Breckinridge County Board of Education graciously approved First State Bank to utilize space under the staircase to operate Tiger One, providing the bank with a convenient location in the school.
After almost three years of planning and delays due to construction and COVID, Tiger One opened for business on Jan. 25, 2022, with the 2022-23 school year marking its first full school year of operation. Tiger One is open Tuesday through Friday while school is in session and is accessible to students and faculty during lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Tiger One is operated by high school junior and senior students who are enrolled in the financial services career pathway with business and marketing teacher Storm Bratcher. First State Bank community relations representative Loraine Himmelhaver is also on campus with the students each day the bank is open, and assists with training and operating the bank.
Faculty and students have enjoyed utilizing the services of Tiger One, which include making deposits and withdrawals, cashing checks and making change. Students also have the opportunity to apply for loans through Tiger One up to $50.
“As a faculty member at Breckinridge County High School, I love the convenience of being able to do my banking on-site, during my lunch break,” Dean of Students Stephanie Barr said. “I also love seeing the students engaging with their peers and staff members in a professional manner while learning banking basics.” Stephanie Barr, customer since 2014.