MONTGOMERY, AL  – National Financial Literacy Month is observed each year during the month of April. Through its financial wellness program, SIDEKICK, MAX is proud to recognize the important role that teachers play in the financial education development of our local youth. In April 2019, SIDEKICK hosted the 2nd Annual Financial Educator Award competition and recognized three outstanding teachers who bring passion, dedication, and enthusiasm for financial education into their classrooms. Nominations were collected from all over MAX’s chartered area and public voting took place at the end of April. Each of the top three educators were awarded gift cards to purchase supplies for their classrooms.

First place winner, Amelia Farrior, teaches Banking and Accounting courses to students in the 10th -12th grades at Montgomery’s Sidney Lanier High School. Mrs. Farrior incorporates project-based learning in the form of entrepreneurship and business proposal projects that help her students truly grasp the concepts they learn about in class.

Second place winner, Henry Tellis, teaches 11th and 12th grade U.S. History, Government, and Economics at Sidney Lanier High School. Mr. Tellis successfully engages his students in the topic of economics, by applying the subject to their everyday lives.

Third place winner, Julie Crockett, teaches Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Law in Society to students in grades 9-12 at Wetumpka High School. Mrs. Crockett simulates real-world situations for her students to help them learn about budgeting, credit, and investments.

These three teachers are just a few of the superhero educators that the SIDEKICK program is proud to support. Over the past three years, SIDEKICK has been a champion of financial literacy initiatives in Central Alabama and has had the honor of working with over 40 area schools and community organizations. Visit mymax.com/SIDEKICK to learn more about financial education programs, on-demand digital learning, and one-on-one financial wellness coaching.

MAX is a leading, locally owned financial institution in Alabama, with more than $1 billion in assets. Serving our communities for more than 63 years, MAX provides a full suite of consumer and business financial products, including checking, savings, loans, wealth management, insurance, mortgages, online and mobile banking. MAX has 18 branch locations across its Alabama footprint. Please visit us at www.myMAX.com.