Omni Bank recently announced seven winning nominations in this year’s “Making the Grade” program, a nationally recognized initiative that highlights successful educational projects in schools in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany and St. John the Baptist parishes. Among the winners chosen from 200 entries were Pontchartrain Elementary School, Covington High School, and the a³ Virtual Academy.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, a partner in the OMNI Bank program, gathered with bank officials in honoring the winners at a ceremony October 26. Each winner received a $2,000 check from the Brees Dream Foundation, along with an award from OMNI.

Pontchartrain Elementary School in Mandeville was nominated for its KidSense Playground, a play area for special-needs students. A first-of-its-kind at any public school, the playground helps over-stimulated children work out their energy, regain their focus and work smarter back in the classroom. The playground accommodates children of all abilities, with wheelchair pathways and Braille-patterned mosaics.

Covington High School’s Option 3 program also gained “Making the Grade” recognition. Students who struggle with academics at Covington High have an option that helps them stay in school, enrolling them in vocational classes that keep them working toward graduation. Option 3 students can graduate with a standard high school diploma, a GED or a certificate in a career field, giving them a wider range of choices for life after high school. 

The a³ Virtual Academy, a System-wide program was honored for its internet-based teaching. By offering on-line classes, the virtual school helps teens enhance their educational efforts.  Students who struggle with a course can re-take it over the Internet, while ambitious students can take extra classes.

“Improving the quality of education is one of our most important responsibilities,” Bank President Kyle Waters said. “Where there is excellent performance in our schools, we want celebrate it. Where there are opportunities to put creative ideas to work, we want to be part of the process. That’s why we’re proud to support the ‘Making the Grade’ initiative.”

The 2008-2009 school year was the third consecutive school year in which OMNI BANK and Brees are co-sponsors. Begun in the late 1980s, the program has earned national recognition for encouraging parental involvement, motivating businesses to become involved in education, and inspiring teacher and student imagination.