Carson High School in Carson City now has its own “Senators” debit card for student checking accounts. The card was designed by students through a contest held by Greater Nevada Credit Union, which has an educational branch inside of the high school.

More than 60 students entered the contest, and a panel of students, teachers and Greater Nevada representatives selected the top three designs. The winning students were then asked to combine their designs into one to meet VISA criteria and receive approval from the card company. The three contest winners, Mhervin Dagdagan, Amanda Yau, and Athena Favero, were awarded Amazon gift cards by Greater Nevada.

The debit card design contest was part of an ongoing program to promote awareness of the educational branch and financial literacy at Carson High. The operational branch, which has been located inside Carson High since 1996 and was recently remodeled, is run by students enrolled in the Banking Class and is taught by Greater Nevada staff. Those students undergo training that provides both job skills and personal finance knowledge, and they also earn class credits.

Greater Nevada also supports Carson High School through other financial education activities and student contests, most recently a chance to win limousine service and a dinner for two during the school’s Winterfest dance.

“Contests like the debit card design pique students’ interest in something they may not otherwise think about,” said Teresa Breeden, Carson High School engineering, drafting, and art instructor. “Plus, we have our very own debit card design now, which should continue creating awareness of the student checking account and other financial resources available right here on campus.”

Any Carson High School student age 16 or older can apply for the newly-designed card and its accompanying checking account with a parent’s permission.

For more information about the educational branch or Greater Nevada Credit Union, visit www.gncu.org.