When Ellie Whiteside first applied for a Community Financial Services Bank (CFSB) Scholarship, she was a high school student at McCracken County High School with big goals and a deep connection to her community. What stood out to her most about the CFSB Student Scholarship Program wasn’t just the financial support, it was the things she noticed in the community that proved CFSB consistently cared about the people it serves.
“I applied because CFSB truly invests in the people and communities around them,” Ellie shared. “They value education, leadership, and giving back, and that made the scholarship especially meaningful to me.”
That belief was confirmed in a moment Ellie will never forget. Members of the CFSB team surprised her at school with music, cheers, and the Big CENT, CFSB’s branded truck, celebrating not just the scholarship, but specifically her accomplishments. CFSB even invited her parents to be part of the moment.
“It made me feel seen and supported,” Ellie said. “It reminded me I wasn’t pursuing my education alone and it motivated me to one day give back the same way. It was such a joyful experience and made receiving the scholarship feel even more meaningful.”
Today, Ellie is studying finance at Murray State University, and her story has come full circle. She’s now working as a Business Development intern at CFSB, gaining hands-on experience inside the very bank that continues to invest in her future.
“Working at CFSB feels like a full-circle moment,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of an organization that truly cares about people, not just banking.”
What’s surprised her most is the culture.
“Everyone is genuinely kind, welcoming, and dedicated. People don’t just work here, they enjoy what they do. That environment is inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Ellie hopes to build a career in financial advisor where she can serve others, make a positive impact, and continue giving back to her community, just as CFSB did for her. Ellie’s journey is just one example of how the CFSB Scholarship Program invests in local students and believes in their potential, long before graduation day.
If you’re a high school senior planning to pursue higher education, now is the time to apply. All CFSB Scholarship Applications are due by February 20th to be considered. Twenty students throughout Marshall, Calloway, Graves and McCracken Counties will receive $1000 to use for any post-graduation plans.
Apply today at yourlifeyourbank.com/scholarships and take the first step in your own CFSB story!
