Dollars and Sense

NOBLEFORD- At just 10-years-old Abbey Dorchak is already the CEO of a bank, “I’ve learned a lot about saving money and better reasons to save your money.”

She’s one of 29 students running the Junior ATB at Noble Central School in Nobleford.

All students and staff get a chance to do actual business at the school with students.

“We have deposits, real cash every other Thursday that we have been doing if they have an account at ATB, or we can open an account,” adds Katie Van Hierden, Branch Manager of ATB in Picture Butte.

There’s 30 schools across the province running programs similar to this one, with students holding positions from CEO, Market Managers and Bank Tellers; giving them hands on experience they’ll use once they finish school.

“It’s a life experience. They learn to save and it doesn’t become as scary when they turn 18 or 19-years-old.

Whether students plan on continuing a future in banking or not- the skills they are building and the lessons they’re learning will stay with them throughout their lives.

“Learning more about rules and keeping your money safe. I think it’s going to help me for when I become a lawyer because I’m going to learn a lot about being in charge and to do what’s right,” adds Dorchak.

Principal Scott Oikawa says the program has been a huge success and all of the students are benefiting, “We’ve quite enjoyed it at Noble Central and it definitely seems to be paying dividends both in the bank and at our school.”

ATB Financial presented a cheque for $1,250 dollars to the school for its participation with Junior ATB.

Students also held a bake sale to raise money for the Children’s Hospital.