May 9, 2023

FNBCT Lender Helps Surprise Teachers

One of our guiding principles is “we serve our communities.” Our educators show their passion for serving our community every day. That’s why we love supporting the Waco Education Foundation.

Recently the Waco Education Foundation and its SurPRIZE Patrol visited 20 Waco ISD campuses. The group surprised 46 teachers with the exciting news that their 31 grant applications were approved for funding for the 2023-2024 school year. This year, the foundation is awarding a record $154,995 back to the district, bringing the total amount of grants funded over the past decade and a half to more than $2.15 million.

One of our commercial lenders, Russell Jones, was there for the presentation of a $3,500 check named in honor of FNBCT. The grant is going to Parkdale Elementary teachers Rachel Skopik and Dara Burleson. They are using the money to create a maker’s space for their students that allows them to “tinker, explore, design, and create.”

For Jones, the ceremony was a special one. He is a proud Waco ISD graduate.

“It was quite an honor to go back to a Waco ISD school and surprise these great educators,” said Jones. “What made it even more special was doing it with my former Waco High classmate and current Foundation board president Taylor Bledsoe.”

A full list of grant recipients and photos are available here.