Viking FUNds, so named in honor of Oxford Hills’ beloved mascot, is a program that pays for field trips at elementary schools throughout MSAD 17, benefiting the students at schools in Norway, Oxford, West Paris, South Paris, Otisfield, Harrison, Hebron, and Waterford. It’s a transformative idea that Norway Savings is proud to have played a part in helping to become a reality.
“This funding has allowed us to give our students experiences they would otherwise not have had,” said Jessika Sheldrick, principal of Otisfield Community School. “Norway Savings Bank’s generous donation has helped us broaden the students’ horizons.”
Since 2022, NSB has made consistent contributions to the initiative, including another $10,000 donation this month and $40,000 total since January of 2023. The money has gone to incredible use, sending children on field trips to over 20 locations around New England, from Maine Wildlife Park in Gray to the Freedom Trail in Boston.
“There is no way we would have been able to provide all of these fabulous opportunities without the support of Norway Savings Bank,” said Lori Pacholski, principal of Paris Elementary.
“Our students are eager to learn and are moved and positively affected by extending their educational experiences outside the classroom walls,” said Jill Bartash, curriculum director for SAD 17. “The support from NSB has been overwhelming and so appreciated.”
“Norway Savings Bank’s generosity allows us to serve the students in such a meaningful way,” said Heather Manchester, superintendent of Schools for MSAD 17.
Another warm tradition that has emerged from the relationship has been the thank you notes and pictures NSB receives from the elementary students after they return from the field trips. It’s hard to judge which smiles are bigger: the ones on the students in the pictures or the happy faces of NSB team members looking back.
“NSB is a huge promoter of providing learning opportunities for our children that make a positive impact on the students without adding financial stress to their families,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings. “This program quite literally accomplishes that, and we’re thrilled about it.”
Founded in 1866, Norway Savings Bank is a leading mutual banking and financial services company headquartered in Norway, Maine. As of June 30, 2024, Norway Savings Bank had $1.912 billion in total assets; 24 branch locations; and divisions in trust and investment services, personal banking, and business banking. It has received an “Outstanding” rating for three consecutive Community Reinvestment Act Exams from the FDIC. Norway Savings has also received the Best Place for Working Parents designation in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and was recognized with the “Best Wellness Employer – Gold Certification” for the sixth year in a row by Wellness Workdays. BauerFinancial has designated the Bank the “Best of Bauer” for earning and maintaining its highest 5-star rating for 34 continuous years. For more information, visit www.norwaysavings.bank.
