Heroes Of Our Community

As we at American Savings celebrate our 100-year anniversary, we are reminded of the generosity the community has shared over the years to help build and grow the bank. The bank will in turn try to give a little back to those things that have helped to build and grow the community - by seeking to find the “Heroes Of Our Community.”

The bank's promotion seeking to identify and honor the Heroes of Our Community in celebration of the bank's 100 year anniversary has now ended. The following is a summary of the results.

Click HERE to view the winning essay
for each of the selected Heroes!

Hero Category #1- Teacher
Sought to identify a teacher that:
= has made a positive and meaningful impact on your life or the life of your child
= has made a contribution to your life that goes above and beyond the normal expectations for an educator

Jason Rybinski, a fifth grade teacher at Hammond’s Lincoln Elementary School, earned this award. As a result, the school has received a $1000 donation and Mr. Rybinski has earned a $250 award. Cherie Marovich, the author of the winning nomination, also wins a $100 award.

Hero Category #2 - Neighborhood
Sought to identify a neighborhood that:
= exemplifies those qualities that make for a great place to live
= make you think the world would be a better place if all places were like this one

Jami Knopf, a Board member of the Schererville Baseball league, earned this award - directed toward plans for a new playground near the league’s fields. While this submission does not nominate a “neighborhood” specifically, it’s certainly in the spirit of the behavior we wish to reward. As a result, the Schererville Baseball playground fund has received a $1000 donation. Kerry Cooper, the author of the winning nomination, also wins a $100 award.

Hero Category #3 - Pet Rescue/Rescue Pet
Sought the story of a pet and pet rescue that:
= brought a special kind of love into your life
= described how the animal and owner came together
= described what made the animal or their relationship special

Kazoo and the Humane Society Calumet Area earned this award. As a result, the Humane Society Calumet Area has received a $1000 donation. Paula Poulsen, the author of the winning nomination, also wins a $100 award - to be shared with Kazoo.

Hero Category #4 - Civil Servant
Sought to identify a civil servant that:
= goes above and beyond the required duties
= is an extraordinary individual overlooked in a group of people that already functions to help others

Mr. Gail Hastings, working in the Maintenance Department of the Town of Munster, earned this award. As a result, he has directed a $1000 donation to the Lake Area United Way while he has earned a $250 award. Rachel Delaney, the author of the winning nomination, also wins a $100 award.

Hero Category #5 - Mentor
Sought to identify a mentor that:
= is a special person in your life that helped you to become a better person
= dedicates the time and effort necessary to bring out the best in others
= knows how to help you reach your highest potential

Mrs. Joan Loden, a math teacher in the Lake Central School system, earned this award. As a result, she has directed a $1000 donation to the Lake Central Dollars for Scholars program while she has earned a $250 award. Daniel Peterson, the author of the winning nomination, also wins a $100 award.