First Southern National Bank is partnering with the Kentucky Humanities Council to bring more than 50 Kentucky Chautauqua® performances to 4th, 5th and 6th grade students in several communities in Central and Western Kentucky. On Thursday, March 13, President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed in first person by Kentucky Chautauqua® performer Jim Sayre, will come to life before the eyes of students at Auburn Elementary School.
Kentucky Chautauqua® programs provide the opportunity to “have a chat with the past” and audiences of all ages find themselves engaged, educated and entertained. From famous pioneers, writers, inventors, politicians, doctors, judges, athletes, and musicians to little-known men and women from every walk of life who shaped both our nation’s and Kentucky’s history and culture, the impact of these presentations is dramatic.
“What better way to share a bit of Kentucky’s rich history than to have the students experience it themselves,” said Rusty Clark, president of First Southern National Bank. “No matter how much we grow or how much things change, we can’t afford to forget where we came from. We are thrilled to partner with the Kentucky Humanities Council and local schools across the Commonwealth on this initiative.”
The bank is sponsoring Kentucky Chautauqua® performances in dozens of schools in many of the communities it serves. A total of eight performances will take place in Logan County and Russellville Independent Schools this spring. In February, students at Adairville Elementary School had the opportunity to meet Civil War soldier Johnny Green, portrayed by Ethan Smith. Later this spring, students at Stevenson Elementary and Russellville 6th grade students will have the opportunity to meet Reverend Newton Bush, portrayed by Robert Bell and students at Olmstead School will meet President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Jim Sayre.
“From the moment we partnered with First Southern it was evident that they, like we at the KHC, are invested in ensuring that students of all ages understand that community, heritage and history mean something,” said Ben Chandler, Kentucky Humanities Council executive director. “These are the building blocks of our pride in this state we call home.”
The Kentucky Humanities Council is a non-profit Kentucky corporation affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities. While not a state agency, the KHC is a proud partner of Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet. For information, please visit www.kyhumanities.org.
First Southern National Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Southern Bancorp headquartered in Stanford, Ky. First Southern has offices in Central and Western Kentucky including locations in Caldwell, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Logan, Madison, Pulaski, Wayne and Warren counties. First Southern believes in providing exceptional customer service and making fast, local decisions. For more information about First Southern National Bank, call 866-602-3762 or visit www.fsnb.net.