We are excited to announce the 2009-2010 kick off of Making the Grade, OMNI BANK's inspiring and idea-sharing program designed to highlight successful education programs, curricula, students and teachers in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and St. John parishes.

With Making the Grade, teachers and principals nominate progressive and innovative educational programs that are making a difference in education. The winners of the program are featured in a campaign sponsored by OMNI BANK.  OMNI's spokesman is New Orleans Saints Quarterback, Drew Brees, an athletic and academic award-winning student athlete during his years at Purdue University.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Brees has teamed up with OMNI BANK to support Making the Grade, which was originally launched in New Orleans in the 1980s and has garnered national recognition. Brees, a recipient of the NCAA's Socrates Award for excellence in academics, is a firm believer in the importance of supporting and promoting quality education.

Officials at OMNI BANK, the largest bank headquartered in Jefferson Parish, chose to co-sponsor the campaign because they wanted to heighten awareness of the many positive things that are happening in local schools.  OMNI, an independent community bank, has a long, strong history of involvement in various public service projects throughout Southeast Louisiana.    

OMNI BANK is now accepting nominations for the Making the Grade campaign.  Participation in the program is simple.   Teachers, principals, students, or parents complete a nomination form detailing the innovative, successful programs or projects that are making a difference in education at a local school and submit the form to via fax to (504) 378-3793. 

To learn more, please review the Making the Grade Packet.  At OMNI BANK, we are looking forward to seeing how your school is Making the Grade.