Arvest Foundation recently awarded the Exeter school district with a grant of $5,000 for its student fund. Sarah Dalton, Cassville Arvest Foundation representative, and her staff, presented the check. Exeter’s September and October character kids were on hand to accept the check. School and bank representatives pictured include: Sarah Buntin, Exeter counselor, and Arvest staff Jake Whitham, Jazmin Rivera, Kenzie Hancock, Michaela Preddy and Sarah Dalton. Contributed photo
Arvest Bank recently honored Holly Lacey, Wheaton school district science teacher, during the bank’s annual “We Love Teachers” initiative. This initiative awards area educators $500 each to help with the purchase of school supplies. Lacey was one of 142 teachers at K-12 public state-funded schools throughout the bank’s four-state footprint to receive the award. Recipients were selected by partnering with schools’ administrations based on classroom needs. “At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities,” said Sarah Dalton, Community Bank President who is based in Cassville. “Through their dedication, teachers help build a foundation for lifelong learning and growth, inspiring students to reach their full potential. We’re proud to honor Holly Lacey with this recognition, and it’s our hope this award will help contribute to a positive learning environment.” The bank’s “We Love Teachers” initiative aims to help teachers with the purchase of school supplies. According to a 2024 Teacher Spending Survey released by AdoptAClassroom.org, teachers reported spending an average of $860 out of their own pockets for classroom supplies. Since 2016, Arvest has donated $539,500 to local teachers throughout Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. Contributed photoThe Arvest Foundation recently awarded $6,000 to the Southwest school district for its Scholastic Book Program. This gives each child in grades K-4th a free book monthly to build their personal libraries. Contributed photo
