By day, Jim Watts plays a key role on the Regions Consumer Risk Services Team. But on Thursday morning, he stepped into a different role—sharing practical wisdom with students from Wenonah High School’s Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.

The occasion was Regions' Reality Check, a dynamic financial literacy event where students participated in a rapid-fire strategy simulation designed to teach real-life money management skills.

Watts’ message focused on the financial drain of unchecked subscription services—often overlooked, yet damaging to budgets.

“We’re helping them build essential decision-making skills for when they’re managing households, careers, and children,” Watts explained. “It’s rewarding to see those ‘aha’ moments when they connect the dots and understand the financial pressures their families face.”

This Reality Check session took place during the opening round of the 2025 Regions Tradition, under the shade of the new Coca-Cola® Spectator Village tent, positioned beside the driving range. While professional golfers warmed up for the tournament, Keren Treme, Financial Education Trainer at Regions, delivered engaging financial insights to the students.

“Financial literacy underpins nearly everything you want to achieve in life,” said Treme, who also represents the Regions Better Life Institute. “And it all begins with how you manage money.”

During the activity, students were randomly assigned a job, salary, and family size, then challenged to make realistic financial decisions—covering everything from streaming services and groceries to housing and transportation. But the real test came with life's surprises.

“Unexpected expenses,” noted Amy Jones from Regions. “Think flat tires, medical visits, speeding tickets, or trips to the dentist.”

As Jones listed these scenarios, groans from the students revealed their growing awareness.
That kind of reaction was exactly what Wenonah teacher Diann Pilgrim hoped for. A longtime faculty member and early contributor to the Academy since its 2014 launch, Pilgrim has worked closely with Treme, whose financial workshops are a recurring part of the curriculum.
The visit to Greystone Golf and Country Club is something the students look forward to for months. By their junior year, they get the opportunity to attend the Regions Tradition and see personal finance in action.

“It’s a powerful moment when they realize what their parents or guardians are juggling financially,” Pilgrim shared. “That’s the essence of a true reality check.”

But the experience extends beyond budgeting lessons.

“This event also ties into tourism, which is the career field our students are pursuing,” Pilgrim added. “They look forward to this every year—not just for the learning, but for the fun and exposure to their future industry.”

Just two days ago, Lulu Gribbin took part in the celebrity pro-am at the Regions Tradition golf tournament. When SEC football and basketball coaches reached the 17th tee, they made a point to connect with the teenager from Mountain Brook, impressed by her skillful drives with each group that came through.

On Friday, Lulu returned to Greystone Golf and Country Club - this time at the driving range -participating in the annual adaptive golf clinic.

Nearby, Noah Galloway watched as Lulu enthusiastically introduced the game to others. What many around them may not have realized is the powerful connection they share.

Nearly a year ago, while vacationing at the beach, Lulu and two other young people were attacked by a shark while searching for sand dollars. Lulu was the most severely injured, losing a hand and part of her leg.

Galloway, a former U.S. Army soldier, lost his left arm and leg two decades ago during the Iraq War. Moved by his father’s experience with limb loss, he has since devoted his life to supporting others facing similar challenges.

When he heard about Lulu’s experience, he reached out to her father, Joe Gribbin — first by text, then through phone calls. The two only met in person last week.

“I told him, ‘I’m here if you ever need anything — advice or support,’” Galloway recalled. “Because what really matters most is mental health. The body adjusts over time. It’s our minds that present the hardest obstacles. Making sure we care for that part of ourselves is crucial.”

Galloway has become a nationally recognized motivational speaker, advocate for wounded veterans, and television personality. He’s also the author of Living with No Excuses: The Remarkable Rebirth of an American Soldier.

Supporting others is the driving force behind the adaptive golf clinic, which is hosted each year through a partnership between Regions, United Ability, and the Champions Tour. This year’s event welcomed over a dozen participants, each receiving personalized instruction from local golf professionals and volunteers.

Schiela Peña, who manages Disability Services and Outreach at Regions, was there to witness the impact.

“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people come together and show others they can push past expectations,” Peña said.

Adaptive golf opens doors for inclusion and equal opportunity on the course.

“Lulu being here is truly inspiring,” Peña added. “She hasn’t just overcome adversity — she’s actively using her story to uplift others.”

Lulu’s father, Joe, emphasized that the journey to recovery extended beyond Lulu herself. Her sister, Ellie, was with her during the attack and supported her through the trauma and the critical surgeries that followed.

“They’ve done specialized therapy together to work through it,” Joe explained. “No one wants to go through something like this. But Lulu knows how fortunate she is to be alive — and she’s faced everything with resilience and grace.”