Skowhegan Savings Helps Youths Set a Course for Their Future
Skowhegan, Maine – Skowhegan Savings awarded 52 students in grades 3-6 with certificates and $100 Education Savings accounts to recognize the youths' achievement in the Bank's Promise for the Future program. The program is in its ninth year and is designed to encourage students to think about their future career paths and the education and training needed to reach their goals.
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2010 Promise for the Future award winners with Skowhegan Savings' mascots, Trusty Tree and Penny Pine Cone. |
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The program is presented to students in communities throughout Somerset, Piscataquis, Penobscot and Kennebec Counties. Bob Stuart, president of Yarmouth Educational Consultants, has partnered with the bank over the past nine years to make classroom visits and engage students in mapping out their futures. Stuart is a consultant that works with families to address questions about career paths, college selection and the costs of higher education.
During the visits, students are encouraged to explore their career options and focus on the activities that excite them and can lead to success. The range of future occupations is wide and includes chefs, entertainers, aerospace engineers, ornithologists, cosmetologists, auto mechanics, furniture craftsmen and veterinarians. Students then research the school and training needed for each of these roles, including specific college programs and course listings and begin to chart a course for success.
Following the classroom visits, all participating students write essays about their career plans, what led them to that decision and how they can reach their goals. The essays are reviewed by a committee of bank staff in the community and the winners are chosen from hundreds of applicants.
"We've been proud to sponsor this program that gives our children a real chance to think about how to make their own success," commented Skowhegan Savings President and CEO John Witherspoon. "The savings accounts are a small reward but hopefully just the seed these bright students need to keep forging ahead with their ambitious plans."
During the annual ceremony, Bob Stuart reads out each winner's name and gives a brief overview of their interests and dreams. They are then presented with their certificates. Students can be selected more than once, and this year, there were a few repeat winners, illustrating that their focus has not wavered.
Nanook Tufferd, branch manager at the Bingham branch of the Bank noted, "It was inspirational to read all the essays and then meet the students that have such clear ideas about what they want to do. I look forward to seeing what all these bright youngsters accomplish in the years ahead."
About Skowhegan Savings:
Skowhegan Savings, founded in 1869, is an independent mutual savings bank dedicated to strengthening the Maine families, businesses and communities it serves. Named as one of Maine's Best Places to Work in 2009, Skowhegan Savings' team of friendly, committed employees takes pride in delivering personalized, competitive banking services with integrity and putting the needs of their customers first. An innovative and progressive approach to banking ensures their customers enjoy a banking experience that is quick, easy and convenient. Skowhegan Savings' nine Maine branches include two locations in Skowhegan, as well as locations in Belgrade, Bingham, Dexter, Fairfield, Madison, Norridgewock, and Pittsfield. For more information, visit www.skowsavings.com or contact Customer Service at 800.303.9511.
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