Building on a successful first year, the $1.2 billion Whitefish Credit Union in Montana has selected a new Junior Board of Directors to serve for a one-year term.

Students in the J-BOD program observe the 57,700-member credit union's board meetings, write articles for its newsletter, and take part in a community service project.

Activities of the junior board mirror those of the ''adult'' board of directors, said Sue Schenck, business development director. Each board has seven members.

''With this program we can work toward our credit union goals of financial education and community outreach,'' Schenck said.

Whitefish High School senior Perrey Sobba, a member of last year's board, has returned for a second year. '' As a returning member, I am honored and excited to be chosen again,'' she said.

Last year, Sobba helped the junior board of directors with community service that provided a week-long healthy living and fitness program for Whitefish Middle School fifth- and sixth-graders. After high school, Sobba plans to enter a pre-med program and to become a plastic surgeon.

New junior board member Caroline Carbo she hopes to experience ''valuable life lessons that can be used in my future, as well as creating new relationships with my peers and mentors. But overall I hope I am able to leave a positive impact on my community through volunteer work and board activities.”

Whitefish is the state's largest credit union.