Independent Banker - February 2023 - 72

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" In Talladega, we can
show them one of the
biggest sports that has
all types of jobs. You
don't have to
be a racecar driver
to be associated
with NASCAR. "
-MITCH KEY, FIRST BANK OF ALABAMA
he spends 33 weekends out of the
year racing in the Xfinity series. The
students are thrilled to ask questions
that keep Hemric on his toes.
The life lesson
At its core, the collaboration
between First Bank of Alabama
and the Talladega Superspeedway
brings STEM to life in a fun way.
The community bank understands
how to make learning hands-on
and enjoyable.
" This was just a perfect tie in
between young people, the racetrack
associated with NASCAR. "
On these special Fridays, about 500
students get a glimpse of the different
jobs available throughout NASCAR.
First Bank of Alabama employees
serve as their tour guides, taking them
through stations where they get to see
positions varying from crew chief to
engineer, car hauler and more. They
also learn how to build a race car and
what it takes to run a racetrack.
Applying what they've learned
in the classroom to each station
at Superspeedway is integral to
the STEM program. One of the
most popular stations involves
the spotter, located at the highest
point of Superspeedway. Spotters
communicate with the drivers to
assist them during the race. Students
can try on the headset and learn
about radio communication and the
importance of technology for racing.
As a final station, the students get
the chance to talk to Daniel Hemric,
driver of the No. 11 Chevrolet for
Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity
Series. At age five, he began go-karting
and realized his passion for racing.
Now a NASCAR driver of eight years,
and First Bank of Alabama, " says Key.
" We're excited, our employees are
excited about it, they're all anxious to
go do STEM, because we recognize
the impact it's having. So, it's just
been a win-win all the way around. "
Aiming to pique the students'
curiosity and demonstrate that careers
don't have to be mundane, Key wants
to leave them feeling inspired. " I
hope the community will see that
First Bank of Alabama is committed
to our young people and growing our
communities, " he says. " Our young
people are our future. I think as much
as we can pour into them, and as
much as we can do to help them be
successful ... I just don't know of a
much greater calling than that. "
The event has generated much
positive feedback and attention from
parents, teachers, administrators and
students. Students are even asking
Jones for autographs. " Their thankyous,
the letters that I've received
where they've either drawn pictures
or handwritten notes, are proof of
appreciation, " Jones says. " It's good
to see that we still have good in the
communities that we serve. "
Confident of the event's impact
on students, Hemric hopes that
his perspective on leadership and
community resonates with them.
" They have leaders within
their community, like First
Bank of Alabama, the Talladega
Superspeedway and other individuals
involved, pulling for them, " he says.
" People are trying to do everything
they can to make sure they have a
successful journey through life, and
people have their backs. I know that
was important for me growing up, and
it's a huge part of what First Bank of
Alabama is about. " 
Christyna Yang is an editorial assistant
for Independent Banker.
Independent Banker - February 2023

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