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HomeNewsArchivesBrief: FirstBank Sponsors Carnival T-Shirt Contest

Brief: FirstBank Sponsors Carnival T-Shirt Contest

April 23, 2007 — The spirit of Carnival is translated in so many ways by those who choose to experience the Caribbean tradition. When you hear the word "Carnival," it probably brings to mind an assortment of images: pageants, Calypso shows, food fair, parades and the thrill of the village. While the revelers enjoy the bands, colorful costumes, dancing, singing, food and fanfare; they most certainly will be dressed in their representative Carnival T-shirt!
A tradition year over year, local companies, groups and organizations will create a Carnival T-shirt celebrating the local culture within the festival. These t-shirts often serve to commemorate their participation in the event and years later become memoirs.
FirstBank continues to celebrate this tradition, through a partnership created eight year’s ago with Eudora Kean High School’s art department. Annually Lisa Etre, Chairperson of the Art Department at IEKHS, and FirstBank partner to present an art contest to the students. Students enrolled in the art program at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School are asked to submit entries of their original artwork depicting the traditional aspects of St. Thomas Carnival. This year’s theme: “It’s a Birthday Celebration! 55 years of Culture, Mas and Rhythm for Carnival 2007” earned 13 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.” says Alicia Bean, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at FirstBank.
Tiffany Morton created the winning design that will be featured on each FirstBank, First Express and First Insurance 2007 Carnival T-shirt. Tiffany is in the 12th grade and an art student at IEKHS
In a letter to FirstBank regarding this program, Lisa Etre, Chairperson of the Art Department at IEKHS, 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.”
“For the students, we believe this is an important message of the relationship between art and a profession. It is a true task of putting their education to work.” Ms. Bean added.
The original entries were returned to the artists and a monetary donation was presented to the art department at IEKHS for their undertaking and participation in the contest.

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