A tradition that started in 2020 due to COVID has continued to thrive. During the first year of the pandemic when graduation ceremonies were problematic, Kewanee banks banded together to pass out gift bags to all the graduates. The hope was to ensure that the seniors knew that their hard work during the difficult time didn’t go unnoticed.
“It was a special recognition to let students know that we are here for them,” said Rachel Price, marketing and public relations with Peoples National Bank. “It was a nice collaboration between the banks.”
On Friday, May 10, the last day of classes for Wethersfield seniors, representatives from PNB, SBT, Union Federal Savings and Loan and CSB joined the graduating students for the year-end Senior Cookout.
The students enjoyed a lunch of hamburgers, pork chops, salads, vegetables and of course, dessert. During the lunch, the bank representatives passed out gift bags filled with locally-purchased items such as cookies from the Downtown Eatery and Bakery and cupcakes from Karen Simms. In addition, each bag had a gift card from area restaurants.
“We spread it around every year to try to get different businesses,” Price said.
The kids were also reminded that local banks are there for the students’ financial needs after graduation.
In 2024, 32 Wethersfield students will walk up on stage to receive their diplomas. The WHS graduation ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
