April 23, 2008 – The spirit of Carnival is translated in so many ways by those who choose to experience the Caribbean tradition. Year after year, local companies, groups and organizations create a Carnival T-shirt to commemorate their participation in the event. FirstBank continues to celebrate this tradition through a partnership created nine years ago with Eudora Kean High School's art department. Lisa Etre, chairperson of the art department at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, partners each year with FirstBank to hold a student art contest. Students enrolled in the art program are asked to submit their original artwork depicting the traditional aspects of St. Thomas Carnival. This year's theme: "A Cultural Escape for Carnival 2008" had earned ten entries.
St. Thomas and St. John employees of FirstBank and its subsidiaries 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.
Ariel Millin created the winning design that will be featured on each FirstBank, First Express and First Insurance 2008 Carnival T-shirt. Ariel is in the 12th grade at Kean. She has applied to many colleges but is not sure which one she will attend. Ariel is sure to excel wherever she goes.
In a letter to FirstBank regarding this program, Lisa Etre wrote, "On behalf of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School and the Art Department, thank you for affording us the opportunity to feature our talented students to our community and for your financial support."
The original entries were returned to the artists and a monetary donation was presented to the art department for their undertaking and participating in the contest. Ariel also received a T-shirt.
