The Bankers 2 Leaders division of the Alabama Bankers Association held its annual Legislative Day in Montgomery on April 20.

A total of 288 bankers and high school students from across the state attended the event featuring speakers representing key areas of government including Secretary of State John Merrill.

Greenville’s Community Neighbor Bank was one of the banks participating in the event.

Kacie Lawrence, Dedric Owens, Lance Powell and Madeline Speir were among the students that took part.

According to Scott E. Latham, ABA president and CEO, the event is designed to heighten awareness of the students as to how state government works and to encourage involvement in the democratic process at a young age.

“Students actually have the chance to talk with their legislators and state government leaders about issues prevalent in their own communities, while getting a first-hand view of how the legislative process works,” he said. “Bankers in Alabama have a tremendous sense of community and make service to their communities a top priority. Events such as Legislative Day are designed to reinforce and facilitate this priority by giving our bankers the opportunity to interact with students.”

The Alabama Bankers Association represents 155 banks.