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News and Press Releases

Mar 14, 2022

Investing in the next generation of leaders

First National Bank Alaska is proud to be the title sponsor of ASAA and March Madness Alaska

ANCHORAGE – First National Bank Alaska returns in 2022 as the title sponsor of the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA). Starting March 16, ASAA’s March Madness Alaska attracts top basketball teams and players from across the state as one of Alaska's largest high school championship tournaments.

“Activities support the academic mission of schools. They are an extension of a good educational program. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than other students,” said ASAA Executive Director Billy Strickland.

For more than 30 years, First National’s title sponsorship has helped ASAA deliver the benefits of educational-based activities to more than 750,000 Alaska high school students. Since 1990, First National Bank Alaska has donated more than $2 million to ASAA.

“Participating in activity programs, whether on the basketball court or in the classroom, teaches students how to reach their goals, support one another and focus on doing their best. First National is proud of our role in investing in the next generation of leaders and helping the youth of Alaska succeed,” said First National Vice President and Community Reinvestment Act officer Natasha Pope.

“We say win for life. It’s developing great students, great community members, great employees, and great parents. And the bank has really been on the forefront of that,” added Strickland.

Former South High School Football Coach Walt Harmon, who played in ASAA’s inaugural football championship game in 1983, said, “The support First National gives to our athletic and activities programs allows a young person to figure out their path, and compete and grow and socialize with their peers throughout the entire state. I think the process of shaping tomorrow is our principal charter as coaches.”

Alaskan-owned and -operated since 1922, First National proudly marks its 100th year of meeting the financial needs of Alaskans. In 2021, Alaska Business readers voted the bank the “Best of Alaska Business” in the Best Place to Work category for the sixth year in a row, Best Corporate Citizen for a third year, and Best Bank/Credit Union. The same year, American Banker recognized First National as a “Best Bank to Work For” for the fourth year in a row, and Anchorage Daily News readers voted the bank one of the state’s top three financial institutions for the third year in a row in the ADN “Best of Alaska” Awards.

First National Bank Alaska is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

 

Contact: Marketing Department, (907) 777-3409