In early February, the Kentucky School Board Association (KSBA) convened in Louisville for its annual meeting. The three-day conference commenced with
a speech by Governor Steve Beshear, in which he presented the KSBA “Friend of Education” award to First Southern National Bank’s Russellville branch
for its ongoing commitment to and support of public education., First Southern President Rusty Clark was there to accept the award on First Southern’s
behalf.
The “Friend of Education” award is given annually to both an individual and a company for their outstanding contribution to public education. In
November of last year, members of the Russellville school board nominated First Southern’s Russellville branch for the award. In their nomination
essay, Russellville’s Board of Education described First Southern National Bank’s Russellville branch as the obvious choice, having lived up to its
core values of “giving back” and being “good stewards.”
“What an honor to receive an award like this,” said Clark. “First Southern has always strived to make its communities better, which to us, means being
actively involved in preparing our children for the future.” Clark added, “We are so grateful for the valuable
partnership we have with the local school systems, and for our dedicated team members who selflessly volunteer their time.”
First Southern’s Russellville team has long been committed to local education, placing it at the top of its list of priorities. The list of the local
branch’s involvement is lengthy and the scope is broad, going far beyond financial contributions. For instance, First Southern sponsors and
participates in informative lecture programs, such as its “teach a child to save” program, in which First Southern team members visit local schools to
educate students on the importance of saving money. Russellville team members also coordinate a mentoring program, pairing bank employees with local
students, and bank employees facilitate the local schools’ Junior Achievement classes.
First Southern National Bank has established a “Pay for an A” incentive program, in which the bank rewards academic excellence by crediting one dollar
to a student’s saving account for every “A” earned, up to ten dollars per grading period. First Southern’s main branch in Russellville also recognizes
academic success and encourages ambitious students with a “wall of fame,” which is a portrait gallery featuring the top-ten graduating seniors from
local high schools, effectively fostering the goals and aspirations of current students. Another notable contribution to the local school system is the
“Christmas Classic” basketball tournament sponsored by First Southern and organized entirely by Russellville team members. Each year, after all
tournament expenses are paid, First Southern donates the remaining funds to the local schools.
First Southern has 22 offices in Central and Western Kentucky including locations in Ballard, Caldwell, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Logan,
Madison, Pulaski, Wayne and Warren counties. First Southern believes in providing exceptional customer service and making fast, local decisions. For
more information about First Southern National Bank, visit www.fsnb.net.