Huskie Bank Branch Opens September 8
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Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #9On Wednesday, September 2, the Heartland Elementary gathered with community members to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Huskie Branch of Henderson State Bank, an in-school savings program. The goal is to provide every student with the tools, habits, and confidence to build a bright financial future one deposit at a time.
Elementary Principal Dana Reinke opened the ceremony with appreciation to Henderson State Bank, the Heartland FBLA, the University of Nebraska Council on Economic Education, and city officials.
Present from the community was:
Kevin Postier - President of Henderson State Bank
Jami Schmidt - Chief Financial Officer of Henderson State Bank
Justin Ott - Senior Vice President of Henderson State Bank
Elizabeth Hiebner - Customer Service Representative of Henderson State Bank
Cassy Rowe - Personal Banker of Henderson State Bank
Connie Brown - Henderson City Clerk
Nicole Mierau - Henderson Chamber of Commerce Director
During the 2025-26 school year, Nebraska had 89 in-school savings programs throughout the state. Within these programs, 7,852 students deposited money and saved $490,105. This is an average of $62.42 per student. Heartland Community Schools is now on the Nebraska map as another public school district partnering with a local financial institution to promote savings.
Last spring, all fifth grade students had the opportunity to apply to be sixth grade student tellers during this school year. They were required to complete an application, gather a teacher’s signature of recommendation, and complete an in-person interview with representatives from Henderson State Bank. Seven students successfully completed this process and were selected to become our first-ever student tellers.
Beginning last spring, they began participating in teller training sessions before school. Those training sessions continued into this school year. These students also participated in a visit to Henderson State Bank to gain hands-on experience. They will be at the forefront of the savings mornings where they will assist with all the jobs and responsibilities involved. Thank you to Adelaide Bartek, Elliot Buller, Elinor Kroeker, Zoe Mills, Tynslee Ogorzolka, Tamsyn Splinter, and Hyde Switzer for your willingness to serve as student tellers.
Our FBLA has taken on this program as a project for their chapter. The FBLA officers have been and will continue to be instrumental in the program. Thank you to Tara Buzek (President), Meggan Friesen (Vice President), Maddox Regier (Secretary), Kate Haidle (Treasurer), and Ashlyn Friesen (Reporter).
The University of Nebraska Council on Economic Education provided a money machine for the kickoff event. All students who returned their permission slips by August 31 were eligible for their grade level drawing. One student per grade was selected. These students were able to enter the money booth and grab as many fake bills as possible. Based upon the bills they acquired, Henderson State Bank is graciously depositing one dollar per every bill into their Huskie Branch savings account.
Those who were selected for the opportunity included: Jacinta Wall (6th Grade), Rylan Nunnenkamp (5th Grade), Annistyn van den Berg (4th Grade), Madden Carbajal (3rd Grade), Tanner O’Brien (2nd Grade), Zayon Epp (1st Grade), and Eloise Hiebner (Kindergarten).
The students also learned what they should expect when they come to the school bank.
On special bank mornings before class starts, you can visit the branch in the south gym.
At Station 1, one of our tellers will give you your check register.
At Station 2, one of our tellers will fill out a small piece of paper called a deposit slip with your name and how much money you brought.
At Station 3, you hand your money to the banker at the counter. They will count it, put it safely away, and give you a receipt. That receipt is like a scorecard that shows your savings going up, up, up!
Finally, you will visit Station 4, the prize station, where you will receive incentives for saving.
A few reminders for participating students:
- Permission slips are required prior to participating
- Any amount of coins and bills can be deposited
- Bring your money in an envelope, plastic bag, or pouch
- Withdrawals are allowed when you complete 6th grade or leave Heartland Elementary
- Henderson State Bank will match up to $5.00 on the first day of banking on September 8
- The Huskie Branch will be open every other Tuesday from 7:50 - 8:10 a.m. in the south gym
We look forward to beginning this exciting new program to positively impact the futures of our students!