GORHAM, ME – A special event on May 30 brought students on a scavenger hunt throughout Gorham for a day of excitement and exploration with the participants hopefully having enriched their future aspirations by the finish line. The “Amazing Race” paired eighth graders from Gorham Middle School with fifth graders at Village Elementary School to solve and follow clues that led them on a journey to businesses and community organizations in town. One location happy to welcome the inquisitive students for a visit along the way was Norway Savings Bank’s Gorham branch, located on 65 Main Street.

“The Gorham team welcomed the students in and answered questions about the banking industry, our Go>2 digital checking accounts, and our summer teller program. As they get older, they might aspire to a career in banking!” said Pam DiPietro Hale, Commercial Loan Officer VP for NSB. “Many questions also revolved around the handling of money and the vault.”

Among the NSB team members who engaged with the students were Kelly Sturmer, Mortgage Loan Officer VP; Amy Lehigh, Market Manager VP; and Matt Petros, Jo Allard, and Katlyn Doughty, all customer relations representatives.

“Their willingness to welcome our student teams, share their time, and bring energy and kindness made this event truly special,” said Lexie Caddell, an organizer of the event and ed tech at Village Elementary.

Part of the exercise is for the students to utilize the formal introduction techniques they have learned and pose questions they had prepared for NSB team members.

“It was wonderful to see the respect and courtesy the students showed to each other and to us, and observing their genuine interest in learning is a great sign for our future,” said Lehigh.

Now in its fourth year, the “race” is aptly named simply for the amazing connections, community, and camaraderie it inspires.

“It was a joy to watch our students explore their community, meet the people who help make it thrive, and begin to imagine their own future roles in it,” said Caddell. “I’m excited to grow and improve this tradition together.”