For Alabama Credit Union (ACU), “We’ll earn your smile” is more than one of its favorite mantras. It’s also the headline of its newest billboard featuring the artwork of a local middle school student.
In keeping with its commitment to the community, the not-for-profit financial cooperative partnered with Northridge Middle School of Tuscaloosa City Schools for a creative way to give back and invest in local youth. Alabama Credit Union invited the school’s students to participate in an art contest through the partnership. The competition encouraged the students to create billboard art depicting the things that make them happy.
The winning student, Mallory Porter, received a $500 opening deposit in an Alabama Credit Union savings account opened in her name. Perhaps more exciting, the young artist’s painting is featured on the credit union’s newest billboard, which will be located at the intersection of Watermelon and Union Chapel. Alabama Credit Union also presented the art department of Northridge Middle School with a $500 donation.
"The North River branch and I had the great pleasure of choosing Mallory Porter as the winner of the Northridge Middle School Art Contest,” said Allison Smith, ACU North River branch manager. “She did a fantastic job on her drawing, and we were amazed at her level of artistry. The North River Branch of Alabama Credit Union is proud to be able to serve this community every day with their financial needs, but I especially love to serve the students, which are the future of this community."
Dorcas Britford, North Ridge Middle School’s art and choir teacher, added, "I think the ACU billboard art competition is an amazing way to show this city how talented our students are. I'm so glad Northridge Middle School was chosen to represent the Tuscaloosa City Schools, and I hope this partnership with ACU continues."
Mallory was thrilled to win Alabama Credit Union’s art contest while sharing with the community what makes her happy. "I was supposed to draw the things that made me happy; that is why I drew myself drawing the things that make me smile. Drawing is my favorite thing to do," the seventh grader said.
ACU also serves as an Adopt-a-School Partner for Northridge Middle School, providing support and special programs for the school. ACU has raised holiday funds for student gifts and supported the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports program, Junior Achievement, Student and Teacher of the Month programs, special occasions such as National School Counseling Week, and more.
