April 28, 2009 – FirstBank continues to celebrate local culture through a partnership created ten years ago with the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School's Art Department.
Annually, Lisa Etre, chairperson of the Art Department at I.E.K.H.S., and FirstBank present an art contest to the students. Students enrolled in the art program at the school are asked to submit entries of their original artwork depicting the traditional aspects of St. Thomas Carnival. This year's theme: "Echoes Through Time" earned eight entries.
St. Thomas and St. John employees of FirstBank and its subsidiaries voted to determine the winner. "For our employees this is important because they know we are supporting the talents of local art students, while promoting the preservation of cultural heritage in the Virgin Islands community," said Sadie Taylor-Clendinen, marketing officer.
I.E.K.H.S. senior Vernella Esprit created the winning design that will be featured on each FirstBank, First Express and First Insurance 2009 Carnival T-shirt.
A monetary donation was presented to the art department for their undertaking and participation in the contest.