ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work, and play. We are proud to recognize those who go above and beyond for their community through the #eCOmmunity initiative.
Each month, members of the community who embody the credit union
philosophy of “People Helping People” are nominated to be “Credit Unioned.”
Trisha Bowman, Clay Branch Manager, nominated James Talton to be “Credit Unioned” because of his willingness to lead by example. She said, “I am inspired by Mr. Talton’s willingness to take on any role needed to help those around him, especially his faculty, staff, and students.”
James Talton is the Principal of Springville Middle School in Springville, Alabama. His wife, Julie, is the principal of Oneonta Elementary School in Oneonta, Alabama. They have been married for 21 years and have two daughters that are students at Springville High School. Mr. Talton and his wife have been members of ēCO for over 20 years!
Mr. Talton has worked in education for 21
years. After receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a Master's of Science degree in Education from Samford University, he began his teaching career as a 3rd Grade teacher at Erwin Elementary School in Jefferson County. Mr. Talton transferred to Kermit Johnson Elementary School in Jefferson County, where he also taught 3rd Grade. He then went on to join Springville Elementary School and taught 2nd Grade, served as a Math Interventionist, and later became principal. Mr. Talton became the Principal of Springville Middle School in 2017.
“I love middle school,” said Mr. Talton. “I love the kids. They are funny and quirky. I think they are appreciative of what we do. We just have really good kids here; they are the best!”
“I recently saw a news story highlighting Mr.
Talton and I immediately knew I wanted to nominate him to be ‘Credit Unioned’,” said Trisha Bowman. “He is a man of great character and dedicated to serving others. Middle school is a tough, awkward time for kids. Mr. Talton and his staff work hard to be a support system the students can count on for advice, direction, and encouragement through a hard stage of life. My children aren’t in middle school, but as a parent, you couldn’t ask for a better principal and mentor for your child. He truly loves the students.”
ēCO Credit Union Clay Branch Manager, Trisha Bowman, surprised Mr. Talton with a VISA Gift Card and some ēCO goodies in his office at Springville Elementary School on Tuesday, October 26.
Trisha Bowman, Clay Branch Manager, said, “Mr. Talton’s ability to connect with the students reaches deeper than just education. He engages with the students by listening to their thoughts, ideas, and concerns to show them their voice matters. He isn’t just sitting behind a desk in an office; he gets involved and interacts with the students. He forms genuine connections with the students, not because it's expected of him, but just because that is who he is and what he does. Mr. Talton is preparing the students for high school, but more importantly, he is preparing them for life. His example is teaching the students to communicate effectively, work together, and respect others. Mr. Talton is helping mold these students into good people and great leaders.”
“This is an honor,” said Mr. Talton. “I don’t
feel like I deserve it, but it is very appreciated. I really can’t believe it. It was a great surprise to walk in to see. We have always loved the people at our branch in Clay. When we go to the branch, we feel like we are family; we honestly do. They take good care of us. They are our people. We can talk to them and trust them to offer us advice if we need it. It’s family. It’s those relationships that translate to what I do here at school. We try to build those relationships with families and students to have that connection with them. We want them to know that if they do need something, whether it’s positive or it’s a concern, they can come talk to us and we can work through it together.”
Thank you, Mr. Talton, for investing in the lives of your students and being a positive role model!
Would you like to nominate someone to be credit unioned? Email your nomination to marketing@ecocu.org.