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Benchmark Community Bank is once again sponsoring its $mart$tart Community Commitment Scholarships. High School seniors residing or attending school in one of the 10 Southside Virginia/northern North Carolina counties served by Benchmark are invited to apply for one of 10 $1,000 scholarships. Students who live or are educated outside of the service footprint, but who are Benchmark customers are also eligible to apply. Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, March 6.

“Benchmark’s $martStart Scholarship is unique,” said President/CEO Jay Stafford. “As a community bank, we know how critical it is for people of all ages to support the civic organizations and activities that enhance their hometown’s quality of life.

“Our program’s eligibility is based on a student’s demonstrated involvement in extracurricular school and community activities rather than their academic achievement,” Stafford continued. “So many of our bright young minds have so much to share with the employers and organizations at home. We want to encourage them to return home and share their ideas, energy, and newfound educations by opening new businesses and getting involved in their communities.”

The application can be found online at www.bcbonline.com/scholarship. Students may also obtain a paper application by contacting their local Benchmark branch. A list of branches is available at www.bcbonline.com/locations.

The $mart$tart Community Commitment Scholarship is named for Benchmark’s $mart$tart money management account for young people ages 13-17. The account encourages students to learn the importance of saving for the future while incorporating a debit card that allows them to make decisions about managing spending and saving. It is part of the menu of youth-targeted accounts beginning with YES (Youth Excited about Saving) for ages 5-12 and Bridge for young adults ages 18-25.

Benchmark Community Bank, based in Kenbridge, has 17 locations throughout Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Founded in 1971 as The Lunenburg County Bank, Benchmark is celebrating its 50th year serving businesses and consumers throughout its service footprint. You are invited to visit the bank’s website at www.bcbonline.com or follow them on Facebook/bcbonline to learn more about Benchmark Community Bank.