Athens, Texas – February 12, 2019 – Athens Independent School District has received an accumulated $100,000 from the Hornet Spirit Debit Reward card, issued by Texas Trust Credit Union. Since the partnership began eight years ago, the money earned from the debit card has gone to the Athens High School Hornet Pride activities fund.

The Hornet Spirit Debit Reward card allows cardholders to share their support every time they use the card. With a card swipe for everyday purchases such as gas, groceries, restaurants, entertainment and more, Athens High School and its students are rewarded.

Athens High School uses the money from the Spirit Debit Reward card for student and teacher appreciation, recognition, incentives and extracurricular activities.

For the past few years, the reward card program has covered the cost of the annual senior trip to Six Flags, Urban Air, and a Rangers Game, allowing every interested senior to participate at no cost. The Spirit Card has also allowed the high school to cover the cost of some college visits for students and funded Pride excursions for qualifying students as well as class field trips to places such as the Science Museum. The school has also been able to cover the cost of spirit shirts, faculty gifts, and other non-budgeted items that would not be possible without the Spirit Debit Reward program.

“This program has been such a benefit to both teachers and students,” said AISD Superintendent Blake Stiles. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Texas Trust and hope to continue for many years.”

The Athens ISD Spirit Debit Reward program launched in August 2011. It rewards Hornet cardholders with 10 cents from every eligible debit card purchase. There are currently more than 800 Hornet Spirit Debit cardholders. Spirit Rewards are paid to Athens High School on a monthly basis based on Spirit cardholders’ usage.

Athens ISD and Texas Trust celebrated the $100,000 earnings milestone at the varsity boys’ home basketball game against Mabank on February 8.

“The Spirit Debit Reward program was created to enrich the school experience for both teachers and students,” said Jim Minge, President and CEO of Texas Trust. “Cardholders hold the key to how much the school earns by how often they use their card to pay for everyday purchases.”

Minge added, “This is a program that allows the community to help Athens ISD earn extra money for special things above and beyond the school’s budget. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

About Texas Trust Credit Union

Texas Trust Credit Union was created in 1936 when a group of Chance Vought Aircraft Corporation employees pooled their savings so they could help each other achieve financial goals. Today, more than 117,000 members are served through checking and savings accounts; loans (personal, mortgage, auto, and small business); credit cards; insurance products; and investment services. Texas Trust Credit Union supports local students through its “Spirit Debit Rewards” program. With every eligible swipe of an SDR card, funds are donated to the school or district of the member’s choosing. To date, Texas Trust has donated more than $1.8 million since August 2011. Texas Trust serves members through 21 locations in Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, Henderson, Ellis, Johnson and Tom Green counties. With assets of more than $1.2 billion, Texas Trust is the 6th largest credit union in North Texas, the 17th largest in Texas, and was ranked the 10th best performing credit union in the country by Standard and Poor’s Global Market Intelligence. For more information, visit TexasTrustCU.org or follow us on facebook.com/texastrustcu or Twitter at @texastrustcu.