Bulldog Bank Open For Business

by Michele Boy | October 3, 2024

At 7:10 AM on Tuesday morning, the Bulldog Bank opened for business. It is a partnership between Syracuse Elementary School and Dream First Bank.
Shelley DeWeese heard of the opportunity at the Kansas Teacher of the Year award ceremony. DeWeese said, “It’s a great opportunity to put together math, financial literacy, and learn real life skills.”
Students submitted applications, interviews were held by a panel, and were notified a week and a half ago. The bankers were then given training for their responsibilities. 
Bulldog Bank has hired Bentley Simon, President,
Janney Velarde, Vice President/CSR, Monroe Kuder, Marketing, Asher Battin, Marketing, Aytzel Zapata, Marketing, Katalyna Perez, Marketing/CSR, Emma Simon, Teller, and Brynnleigh Bennett, Teller.
Seven students opened accounts on the first day and received a Dream First Bank water bottle. 
The bankers are guided and monitored by Dream First Bank’s Assistant Vice President Deysy Miramontes and Ana Aguilera, Bookkeeper.   
Elementary Principal Liz Plunkett said, “The students are responsible for their actions and behaviors. They can also get fired. So far we are very impressed by them.”
And yes, it is a real savings account with no minimum balance except $1.00 to open the account. There are no fees. 
The savings account earns a variable interest rate. A child can also bring in their report card each semester to have an opportunity to earn more interest on their money. DFB will add interest to the base interest rate to encourage good grades.
Student employees receive the deposit, ensure the amount, fill out the deposit slip, deposit the money, and give a receipt for the transaction. The money is then taken to the DFB branch to be deposited into the account to complete the process.
On hand for Dream First Bank was Syracuse Branch President Vance Keller who said, “We have seven of these banks in area schools. It is a great opportunity that teaches the kids responsibility and saving money.”
Bulldog Bank is open Tuesday mornings from 7:10 - 7:40 AM. The marketing team will be placing posters around the school to encourage more students to open up accounts.