Liberty Bank today announced the winners of their first annual ‘Kindness Scholarship Program’ – a program they launched in May with the goal of providing a $5,000 scholarship to graduating high school students who are making a meaningful difference in their community by “leading with kindness”.

The following graduates from the class of 2023 were selected to receive a $5,000 “Kindness Scholarship” from Liberty Bank:

• Benjamin Costanzo of Chester, Connecticut, a 2023 graduate of Valley Regional High School who will attend the University of Hartford in the fall. He has been involved with 14 community organizations, including the American Red Cross, Chester Soup Kitchen, Best Buddies and local youth and varsity high school sports. In his essay he wrote, “My community has provided me with so much, and giving back through volunteering and kindness is a great way for me to show my gratitude.”
• Sarah Petrie of Higganum, Connecticut, a 2023 graduate of Haddam Killingworth High School who will attend the University of Delaware in the fall. She works three to four times a week at a senior living community serving meals and building meaningful, personal relationships with its residents. She is also an assistant teacher and role model for younger students at a local dance studio. In her essay she wrote, “I believe I am a good candidate for the kindness scholarship because I go out of my way to be kind every day.”

• Ella Switzer of West Hartford, Connecticut, a 2023 graduate of Conard High School who will attend Queen’s University in the fall. In addition to working as a lifeguard, Ella has been – or is currently involved – with nine different community groups and high school teams, including her leadership in organizations focused on juvenile diabetes. In her essay she wrote, “My life has been defined by both a devastating diagnosis, and the community which I’ve been fortunate enough to be supported as I’ve grown up. Recognizing the importance of the people and organizations to my success, I have chosen to give back to them, to offer the strength and experience which they fostered in me, to the next generation of Type 1 diabetic and adaptive athletes.”

“On behalf of the Liberty Team, I want to publicly congratulate Ben, Sarah and Ella for winning our first ever kindness scholarships and thank them for their unwavering commitment and selfless volunteerism to improving the lives of those who live in our communities. They are role models and champions of kindness who truly embody what we mean at Liberty when we say ‘Be Community Kind’,” said David W. Glidden, President & CEO of Liberty Bank.

When Liberty launched their inaugural Kindness Scholarship Program in May, the original intent was to select two winners who would receive $5,000 each to help lessen the costs of college tuition. However, due to the competitive selection process and the compelling nominations they received since May, they decided to award a third scholarship in 2023.

About Liberty Bank

Established in 1825, Liberty Bank is the oldest and largest independent mutual bank in the country. With more than $7 billion in assets, Liberty has 56 banking offices across Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, cash management, home mortgages, business loans, insurance and investment services. Named ‘Top Workplace’ by the Hartford Courant every year since 2012 and designated a 2021 and 2022 Best-In-State Bank in Connecticut by Forbes Magazine, Liberty maintains a longstanding commitment to superior personal service and unparalleled community involvement.