United Community Bank recently introduced the 2011-12 Junior Board of Directors for Dawsonville.

The junior board consists of 15 high school seniors from Dawson County High School. The educational program is designed to introduce students to banking, leadership and community service. Applicants were chosen by representatives of both the high school and the bank based on academic excellence, extracurricular involvement and overall leadership abilities.

The junior board held its first monthly meeting Oct. 18 in United Community Bank's board room at the Ga. 400 office.

The students were welcomed a few weeks prior at an orientation at the bank.

The election of officers was one of the first items on the board's agenda, followed by a discussion of various organizations and projects to sponsor.

This year, the board will learn about various areas of banking such as deposit products, loans, mortgages, credit and investments. The group will also be taking a trip down to the Federal Reserve and the State Capital in Atlanta.

Board members completed their first community service project Nov. 12. The group held a Krispy Kreme fundraiser to benefit Relay for Life, and successfully raised more than $400 for the cause.

According to bank representatives, United Community Bank appreciates the opportunity to work with such outstanding students in the community and looks forward to watching these young men and women become successful leaders in the communities in which they live.

Members of this year's junior board are: Chloe Beacham, Stephanie Brady, Lora Brown, Morgan Collett, Michael Garrett, Zachary Gerrells, Hayley Gilreath, Cody Hall, Kristi Hyams, Logan Lewis, Brooke Shively, Grant Shope, Jessica Smith, Emily Stowers and Tatum Turner.