Southern Bank recently donated $2,880 to O’Neal to sponsor the elementary school’s expanded Student of the Month program for the entire academic year.
“Southern Bank would like to extend our sincere thanks for allowing us the opportunity to sponsor your SOTM program,” stated Megan Wells, branch retail manager at the bank’s Oak Grove Road headquarters. “It has been an honor to contribute to such an important initiative at O’Neal School, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us.”
Under the recognition program, students are selected by classroom staff based on good citizenship and positive choices, then recognized monthly and at the end of each trimester, according to Principal Shelly Ridens. Recipients receive a book for their personal collection and one donated to the library in the student’s honor; a balloon; T-shirt; goodie bag; and lunch with a teacher provided free of charge by McDonald’s.
A repeat supporter of O’Neal, Southern Bank has maintained representation since day one on the elementary school’s site council under Bright Futures Poplar Bluff, presently celebrating its 10th anniversary, according to Gabe Thompson, school counselor. The bank’s continued backing, which further extends to such traditions as Movie Night and Book Bingo in conjunction with other long-standing community partners, is “so very appreciated,” he stressed.
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Cutline: (Back row, from left) Megan Wells of Southern Bank; Gabe Thompson and Shelly Ridens of O’Neal Elementary School; and Jane Thacker Butler of Southern Bank; and students (left to right) Jay Hutchison, Lexa Crum and Piper Sheehy display a check on Wednesday, Aug. 28.