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Herkimer civics students awarded First Source grant at Genesis Group Celebration of Education


Herkimer Central School District’s civics class received a $1,000 grant during the 18th annual Celebration of Education presented by the Genesis Group and First Source Federal Credit Union.

The students received the grant for an emphasis on financial literacy as part of their ongoing project of revitalizing Harmon Park in Herkimer.

Herkimer high school social studies teacher and civics mentor Caroline Lampert accepted the award for the civics class at the Celebration of Education on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. Civics class members Danny Bleaking, Audrey McDonnell and Ava Oxendine also were able to attend the event thanks to the district’s sponsorship.

The other members of the Herkimer 2024-25 civics class who will be earning their New York state Seal of Civic Readiness in June include Danny Bleaking, Fauziatu Ibrahim, Terrance Jones, Audrey McDonnell, Steven Naegele, Ava Oxendine, Zachary Petucci, Anjali Saugh, Ethan Sieple and Ayla Simpson.

Nine civics students sitting and posing with their grant from First Source Federal Credit Union

Students in the 2024-25 Herkimer Central School District civics class pose with a certificate for the grant the class received from First Source Federal Credit Union during the Genesis Group’s 18th annual Celebration of Education on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro. From left: Audrey McDonnell, Anjali Saugh, Ava Oxendine, Ethan Sieple, Steven Naegele, Terrance Jones, Zachary Pettuci, Danny Bleaking and Ayla Simpson. Not pictured: civics class student Fauziatu Ibrahim.

Caroline Lampert receiving a grant from a First Source representative

Herkimer high school social studies teacher and civics mentor Caroline Lampert accepts a First Source Federal Credit Union grant for the Herkimer Central School District civics class during the Genesis Group’s 18th annual Celebration of Education on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Hart’s Hill Inn in Whitesboro.