Rochester, N.H. – HRCU is proud to celebrate two major milestones this year: the 20th anniversaries of its Farmington branch and its Spaulding High School branch and associated banking program. Established in 2006, both initiatives reflect HRCU's long-standing commitment to community banking, financial education and investing in the future of the communities it serves.
What began in 2006 as an expansion into Farmington and a unique partnership with Rochester’s Spaulding High School has grown into two lasting examples of HRCU's community impact. The Farmington branch has provided local families, businesses and organizations with personalized financial services for two decades. The Spaulding High School Branch and student banking program has provided hundreds of students with hands-on financial education, career development opportunities and real-world banking experience.
Located within the Richard W. Creteau Regional Technology Center, the Spaulding High School branch is a fully operational branch staffed by students enrolled in HRCU's banking courses.
Since opening on August 31, 2006, the program has provided students with training in banking operations, financial literacy, customer service, accounting and professional development.
Over the years, many participants have gone on to pursue careers in finance and related industries, while others have gained lifelong financial skills that help them navigate their future with confidence.
Pictured from left to right are Kayleigh Erwin, HRCU Financial Educator; Carlynne Pouliot, HRCU VP of Retail & Business Development; Michele Halligan-Foley, Rochester School District Director of Career Technology Education; and Brian Hughes, HRCU President Emeritus.
"These milestones are a celebration of what happens when community partnerships are built for the long term," said Brian Hughes, President and CEO of HRCU. "Twenty years ago, we saw an opportunity to invest in both a growing community and its future leaders. Today, the Farmington Branch has become a trusted financial resource for local families, while our Spaulding High School partnership has educated hundreds of students and introduced them to the value of financial wellness and rewarding career paths. We are incredibly proud of the impact these programs have had over the last two decades and excited to continue building on that success."
Today, the Spaulding High School program continues to evolve with expanded coursework, college credit opportunities, industry certifications, internships, scholarships and employment pathways. The program remains one of the most distinctive examples of HRCU's commitment to financial education and community investment.
"The Spaulding program is about so much more than banking," said Carlynne Pouliot, VP of Retail and Business Development at HRCU. "Each year, we watch students build confidence, develop professional skills and gain a greater understanding of how money impacts their lives and future goals. Our high school branch gives students real-world teller experience helping members from the public, faculty and students.
"At the same time, our Farmington Branch continues to embody everything that makes community banking special: trusted relationships, local decision-making and a genuine commitment to helping our neighbors succeed. Celebrating both anniversaries together is a powerful reminder of how meaningful community investment can be."
Brian Hughes speaks with Spaulding High School students during Meet the CEO Day, giving participants in the Spaulding branch banking program the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the values that guide the credit union’s “people helping people” philosophy.
To commemorate the milestones, HRCU held anniversary celebrations throughout September, including special promotions, community events, branch activities and opportunities for members, students, and local residents to reflect on twenty years of growth, partnership, and community impact.
