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Troy Bank & Trust is proud to announce the appointment of Isha Tarver as the new instructor for the Bulldog Academy at Pike County High School, where she will work with the Pike County Schools’ Academy of Business & Finance students.

The Pike County Schools’ Academy of Business & Finance was established in 2001. Students are selected for the program through an application process that begins in their 9^th grade year, and once enrolled, instruction continues until graduation. In addition to core academic courses and college dual enrollment, students take industry-specific classes related to business and banking themes and participate in work-based learning activities to put their lessons into action. Some of these classes include personal finance, banking and credit, financial planning, global finance securities, insurance, accounting, and economics.

As part of their curriculum, the students also participate in the Bulldog Academy, sponsored by TB&T, where they receive financial literacy education and hands-on training in banking fundamentals, including basic teller-related transactions. Upon successful completion, the students graduate with an Associate in Applied Science degree from Enterprise State Community College, in addition to their high school diploma.

“I am incredibly honored to take on this role,” said Tarver. “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to help students understand the different aspects of banking and financial literacy. I look forward to fostering an environment where students can grow their knowledge and skills, empowering them to make confident, informed financial decisions in the future.”

“The Pike County School System is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Troy Bank and Trust through welcoming Ms. Isha Tarver to the Business and Finance Academy team,” said Jeremy Knox, Pike County Schools’ Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and Workforce Development Director. “We know that Ms. Tarver’s extensive knowledge of the banking industry and her deep ties to Brundidge will further enhance the education of our Business and Finance Academy students. A special thank you to Ms. Dixie Shehane and her dedicated efforts to revitalize this piece of the Business and Finance Academy following the pandemic. I have no doubt that her devotion to the program at Pike County High School is a major contributing factor to the growth the Business and Finance Academy is experiencing.”

John Ramage, Chief Administrative Officer of TB&T stated, “Isha Tarver has been a valued member of our team for many years, consistently demonstrating her exceptional leadership skills. As a strong employee and active alumna of Pike County High School, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We have full confidence in her ability to guide the students at the Bulldog Academy. They are truly in good hands with her at the helm.”

The Bulldog Academy holds a unique distinction in that it was the first student-operated, on-campus financial literacy program in the State of Alabama.