Fred C. Reim Jr., regional president for Harleysville National Bank (HNB), poses with Owen J. Roberts High School students around the planter they created for the Chester County Art Association's "Growing the Arts" program. HNB donated $1,000 toward the purchase of the planter so it could be enjoyed by students, faculty and parents of the district for years to come.

HNB Helps Local Students "Grow the Arts"

Harleysville National Bank (HNB) partnered with Owen J. Roberts School District, Pottstown, to support its students' participation in the local "Growing the Arts" program. The program is a special countywide initiative joining local artists, gardeners and businesses to help support the Chester County Art Association and build community pride.

Seventy-five local artists created a series of special planters to help commemorate the Association's 75^th anniversary. Area gardeners then designed plantings for each of the boxes, which were put on display at several Chester County businesses that contributed funds to sustain the initiative. In keeping with this community effort, Owen J. Roberts High School students designed and painted a planter as part of their art curriculum last spring. However, the students lacked sufficient donations to keep their planter on site at the school. Just prior to their planter being purchased for use elsewhere, HNB stepped in with a donation of $1,000 to make the students' goal of retaining their planter a reality.

HNB Regional President, Fred C. Reim Jr., presented the funds to Owen J. Roberts Superintendent, Dr. Myra Forrest, at a recent school board meeting. Together, they announced that through HNB's support, the planter will remain on permanent display at Owen J. Roberts High School for students, faculty and parents to enjoy for years to come. Reim stated, "HNB is excited to participate in this culturally enriching and beautifying program. It's gratifying to assist these talented students in their efforts to bring their work home."