Scholarship essay competition for high school seniors
Pan American Bank, a financial institution known for its strong commitment to the communities it serves, is taking part in a statewide essay writing competition for high school seniors sponsored by the Community Bankers Association of Illinois' Foundation for Community Banking; Pan American Bank is a member of the CBAI. The statewide competition will award one 4-year $1,000 scholarship, up to 12 $1,000 awards and up to 13 $500 awards.
Pan American Bank is issuing its own scholarships as it seeks to find essay writers for the statewide competition. The bank's five locations, Melrose Park, Little Village, Sauganash, Bellwood and Palatine, will be collecting essays from current high school students living in Cook County. Pan American Bank's Community Reinvestment Act Committee will pick one winner from each location and each winner will receive a $100 award. The best essay of the five will be given a $1,500 scholarship from the bank. Pan American Bank will then submit its three highest scoring entries to the CBAI scholarship competition.
"Community involvement is our number one priority at Pan American Bank and we are extremely proud to be able to bring this opportunity to young members of our community," says Frank Cerrone, co-chief executive officer and president of Pan American Bank. "This essay contest aligns perfectly with our mission to foster community development by delivering superior products and services to individuals, families and businesses to help them succeed and grow."
Students' entries will be based around the theme of the competition: The Importance of Community Banking. Pan American Bank will be collecting entries through Thursday, Jan. 14.
Based in Springfield, CBAI is a professional association that represents approximately 40 Illinois-chartered banks and thrifts. CBAI formed the Foundation in 1996, giving away financial awards to deserving high school students to highlight the importance of community banking local economies.
Information on the contest is available at each Pan American Bank office. Entries must be submitted to the bank by 6 p.m. on Jan. 14. The bank will then submit selected entries to the CBAI Foundation to be eligible for statewide competition.