BankNewport Awards Financial Education Scholarships to Four Local High School Graduates

Students at William S. Rogers, Portsmouth High School and West Warwick High School received a $1,000 scholarship

NEWPORT, R.I.  (July 16, 2021) – BankNewport, one of the country’s longest-standing community banks whose hallmark is its dedication to the communities it serves, has awarded its Financial Education Scholarship to four local high school graduates as part of its BNWise financial education program to help students refine their financial skills, and understand that managing personal finances can pave the way for a bright economic future.

Liza Nunes and Peyton Gardner of William S. Rogers High School in Newport; Dylan Pires of Portsmouth High School; and Johnna Gallo of West Warwick High School each won the $1,000 scholarship for their integrity, aptitude, leadership, community outreach, volunteerism and involvement as outlined in their scholarship applications.

“We’ve learned many lessons during the pandemic, but realizing the significance of financial literacy and the impact that knowledge has on most facets of our lives is among the most important,” said Wendy Kagan, Executive Vice President, Director of Employee and Community Engagement at BankNewport. “At BankNewport, we believe it’s our responsibility to provide the guidance, support, education and tools that these young adults need to begin planning for the future and to make smart choices in the present. These four scholarship recipients have each proven to be responsible members of the community and have demonstrated their desire to reach their financial goals through hard work and determination.”

The BNWise Financial Education program made a significant impact on middle schools and high schools in Rhode Island during the school year.  As of June 3, 2021, more than 1,450 active students from 25 schools participated in bank-sponsored financial literacy courses. Of the 5,815 completed modules across the participating schools, students achieved a 56% knowledge gain of key financial education content.

As a community bank, sharing financial expertise is integral to BankNewport’s mission. Whether students choose to enter the workforce or pursue formal education after high school, BankNewport seeks to empower them to be confident in their financial choices and achieve success as future employees, parents, and members of the community.

About BankNewport:
Founded in 1819 and headquartered in Newport, BankNewport offers a full suite of loan and deposit products and services for families and businesses throughout Rhode Island.  With $2.0 billion in assets, BankNewport is one of the longest-standing community banks in the United States and, as a mutual organization, is committed to the financial success of its customers, employees and communities. BankNewport has 17 branch locations, with commercial lending offices in Cumberland and Providence.

BankNewport business lines include OceanPoint Marine Lending, specializing in consumer marine and recreational vehicle financing programs, and OceanPoint Insurance, a Trusted Choice independent insurance agency, providing a broad range of property casualty insurance products, including employee benefits and marine related insurance products.  For more information, visit www.banknewport.com.