Arvest Bank Honors Fort Smith Teachers During ‘We Love Teachers’ Initiative

CommunityPress ReleaseEducation

Fort Smith, AR. (November 18, 2024) – Arvest Bank recently honored three local teachers during the bank’s annual “We Love Teachers” initiative, which awards area educators $500 each to help with the purchase of school supplies. 
 
The teachers were selected by partnering with school administration based on classroom needs. In total, 142 teachers at K-12 public state-funded schools throughout the bank’s four-state footprint received the award.

The teachers who were honored this year are:
 

  • Danielle Gothard, 5th Grade Math/Science Teacher, Ballman Elementary
  • Amber Reed, 7th Grade Special Education English Teacher, Darby Middle School
  • Jalease Lofton, Algebra 1 and Quantitative Literacy Teacher, Future School
 
“At Arvest, we believe teachers are vital to shaping the future of our communities,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Community Marketing Manager - Arvest Fort Smith. “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 these teachers, and it’s our hope the award money 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.
 
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About Arvest
With more than $26 billion in assets, Arvest Bank is a community-based financial institution serving more than 110 communities in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Established in 1961, Arvest Bank is committed to meeting the needs of its more than 830,000 retail and business customer households by continually investing in the digital tools and services customers expect. Its extensive network of more than 200 banking locations provides loans, deposits, treasury management, wealth management, credit cards, mortgage loans and mortgage servicing as a part of its growing list of digital services. Arvest is known for its commitment to the communities it serves and to attracting, hiring and retaining a diverse group of talented people. Arvest is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. To learn more please visit arvest.com.
 
 

Arvest Bank Honors Fort Smith Teachers During ‘We Love Teachers’ Initiative