Rutland
posted
Oct 18, 2012
Berkshire Bank Foundation announced that the Paramount Theatre
in Rutland was awarded a $5,000 grant to support their "Education
is Paramount" educational enrichment series. Through these
performances the Theatre introduces elementary and middle school
students to live professional theater while also connecting
classroom concepts to their productions.
The "Education is Paramount" enrichment series offers seven
theater performances throughout the academic school year. The
performances tackle real life issues and promote important values
such as consideration, manners, non-discrimination, fair play, and
respect. The performances also often connect classroom learning and
concepts to the theater the students watch. It's a way to reinforce
what teachers have taught in the classroom through the theatrical
performances. The program runs from October 2012 through May
2013.
Peter J. Lafayette, Executive Director of Berkshire Bank
Foundation said "Berkshire Bank is pleased to make this grant to
such an important cultural and community organization in Rutland,
Vt. We are pleased to once again be a supporter of the theatre and
their 'Education is Paramount' enrichment series. We hope that many
schools and students will take advantage of this year's
offerings."
In addition to financial support, the Foundation oversees the
bank's large Employee Volunteer Program that carries out group
community service projects benefiting schools, non-profit
organizations and communities within the bank's service area. In
2011, Berkshire Bank employees completed 67 volunteer projects in
which over 50% of Berkshire's employees participated donating over
26,000 hours of service through both company-sponsored and
individual volunteer efforts to help their local communities. The
American Bankers Association honored Berkshire Bank with National
Recognition through their Community Bank Awards program in early
2012.
