New Mexico was an early adopter of recreational cannabis use, so the SAFER Banking Act is a priority for Clayton as well. “We have a dispensary in our town. Their sales in a town of 15,000 would blow your mind. And it’s not safe — who knows where their money’s going?” An Opportunity to Mentor Clayton’s vision for creating a strong community extends beyond the walls of the bank. Eighteen years ago, the superintendent of schools in Artesia paid Clayton a visit to his office. New Mexico had added bowling as a varsity sport — and Artesia wanted to try it out. “Before he left my office, I was the bowling coach.” Every year, Clayton coaches a squad of 30 kids — most of whom have never picked up a bowling ball before they join the team; given Artesia’s remote location and the size of the state, competing requires a major commitment. One recent Saturday, Clayton loaded 37 kids onto a bus at 6:30 in the morning. They drove 252 miles, bowled for five hours, then drove 252 miles home, not getting back until midnight. Clayton has coached the team to nine state championships; this year, Artesia High School was No. 2 in the state tournament. “But my saying is: ‘If all I do is teach them to bowl, I failed miserably,’” he says. “It’s an opportunity to mentor. I have a list I keep in my desk of the 249 kids I’ve coached over 18 years. In a town our size, you can keep track of Bank of the Southwest Banker Awarded First NMBA SWGSB Scholarship Jason Garcia, Bank of the Southwest branch in Truth or Consequences, has been awarded the first NMBA scholarship for the summer session of the SW Graduate School of Banking. The $5,000 scholarship will be applied to the tuition for an incoming Year 1 student. The scholarship requires that the applicant have a minimum of 3-5 years of bank industry experience and the support of their bank. Jason began his career with Bank of the Southwest in 2005 as a commercial loan officer at the bank’s Truth or Consequences branch. In 2012, Jason was promoted to branch manager. His dedication and leadership continued to show, and in 2025, he earned a promotion to senior vice president. On behalf of the NMBA, we congratulate Jason on being selected as our first scholarship awardee. those kids. We’ve sent kids to college on bowling scholarships to further their education.” He also points to his own life as an example of what a hardworking kid can do when a mentor offers an opportunity. “That’s what I tell the kids that I get to talk to,” he reflects. “I say, ‘Somewhere along the way, someone’s going to give you a chance. And then at that point, it’s up to you.’ Fortunately for me, I was able to step into something I’ve loved for 36 years.” 22
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