News in Brief, February 6, 2024
Community First gives $1 million; Rogers named KHS vice principal
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Community First Bank of Indiana (CFB) recently reached an exciting milestone of donating over $1 million to local nonprofits and community partners since the bank’s inception on February 3, 2003. To mark this milestone, bank employees were all invited to share their input and vote for nonprofits to receive a celebratory donation.
During a spree of check presentations on January 31 and February 1, each of the bank’s eight branches presented $1,000 to their selected organization. Recipients included Shepherd's Center of Hamilton County, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, Humane Society for Hamilton County, Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP), Brooke’s Place, Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM), Family Service Association of Howard County (FSA), and the Kokomo Humane Society.
“As a locally owned and operated community bank, we’re committed to supporting and uplifting the communities that our team lives and works in,” said Robb Blume, President & CEO of Community First Bank. Throughout the years, CFB has given to local schools, hospitals, youth outreach programs, addiction recovery programs, animal shelters, domestic violence shelters and so much more.
“We also make it a priority to volunteer and serve on the boards of directors for the organizations. This milestone represents our continuous efforts towards meaningful partnerships and local impact.”
This commemorative event, along with the opening of its newest branch in Fishers on February 5, wraps up the bank’s 20th anniversary celebrations that began in February of 2023. Learn more at CFBindiana.com/marking-a-million.
Jonathan Rogers appointed KHS Vice Principal
The Kokomo School Corporation Board of School Trustees approved the recommendation by Superintendent Dr. Mike Sargent to appoint Jonathan Rogers as Vice Principal of Kokomo High School commencing February 5.
This appointment comes as a result of Michael Susong accepting the role of Principal at Maple Crest Middle School. Mr. Rogers comes to Kokomo High School with impressive experience in curriculum, instruction, and mentoring. He has led and implemented retention programs as well as designed, taught, assessed, and remediated skills-based curricula to support meaningful and authentic learning experiences for all learners. He is deeply committed to the inclusive and supportive school community within Kokomo School Corporation.
Director of Secondary Education and Special Programs Dr. Teni Helmberger believes Jonathan’s experiences in Kokomo will make a difference as he assumes his role at Kokomo High School.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jonathan Rogers as our new KHS Vice Principal,” said Dr. Helmberger. “Jonathan’s genuine passion for STEM education, combined with his enthusiasm for academic leadership, will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for our KHS students and empower them to thrive in this rapidly evolving field.
“Jonathan, who obtained his teaching certification from Indiana University Kokomo, possesses valuable local experience that will greatly contribute to his role at KHS. He brings with him an understanding of the educational landscape and a strong desire to establish a meaningful connection with our school community. I am confident that he will provide exceptional oversight to the KHS STEM Academy and contribute to the culture of our ‘Wildkat Way’ at Kokomo High School.”
Most recently, Mr. Rogers served as the Center Grove High School Social Studies Teacher. He holds an MS from Butler University and an MA from Ashland University. Additionally, Mr. Rogers is a licensed IHSAA basketball and baseball official and member of both the National and Indiana Council for Social Studies.
Mr. Rogers has been appointed by the Kokomo School Corporation Board of School Trustees as the Vice Principal at KHS for the 2023-2024 contract year. The appointment is for a 220-day annual contract. The salary amount will be adjusted proportionately based on the actual number of days worked in this position after February 5.