News Release March 2, 2009

News Release: Contact: Dean Bolton

For Immediate Release 517-349-0914 chair@oefsite.org

Okemos Education Foundation and Summit Community Bank Co-Sponsor Okemos Public School’s Elementary Author Visit

OKEMOS, MI – March 2, 2009 - The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) and Summit Community Bank are pleased to be co-sponsors for the 2009 Okemos Public School’s Elementary Author Visit. For many years, Okemos elementary students have had the opportunity to meet and talk with authors and illustrators. This year’s visit features Michigan poet Denise Rodgers. Known as ‘The Poetry Lady,” Denise Rodgers will visit all six elementary schools and share with students the delights of writing and reading poetry. The visits will take place March 3 – 5, 2009 and will include large group sessions for all grades as well as workshops for upper elementary students.

“The OEF is grateful for Summit Community Bank’s partnership in support of a program that benefits every elementary student in Okemos Public Schools, “ said Dean Bolton, OEF’s chair. “Each year the Author Visit is a highlight for the children and provides up-close, personal experiences in the joys of reading and writing.”

From March 14 – 21, 2009, Summit Community Bank will host Poetry in Motion, an exhibit of poetry written by students from each elementary school in Okemos. Students, parents, and community members are invited to an open house reception on Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 9 A.M. until 1 P.M at Summit Community Bank’s branch office located at 2151 West Grand River in Okemos.

“As a locally owned and managed community bank, we take our community involvement seriously. We believe it’s important to give back to the community that supports us. And Okemos Public Schools and the OEF are truly a solid part of this community,” commented Summit Community Bank Market Manager Adam Goss.

The Okemos Education Foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization that has partnered with the school district since 1984. The OEF provides grants for programs and activities designed to promote academic excellence. The OEF also hosts the annual Commitment to Excellence Awards banquet honoring outstanding teachers and staff of Okemos Public Schools. During the 2007 – 2008 school year, the OEF awarded $26,000 in grants and awards to teachers and programs throughout the district.

For information about the OEF visit www.oefsite.org.