The Merrillville High School Marching Band of Pirates will be sporting a new look this fall, thanks to the help of Centier Bank.
The local, family-owned business donated $10,000 toward the purchase of new uniforms for band members, bringing the total funds raised to $20,000.
“We are very grateful to Centier for providing this support for our students,” said Nick Brown, superintendent of Merrillville Community School Corporation. “Our Band of Pirates always represent our schools with pride and quality, and these new uniforms will be appreciated as we march forward.”
Anthony R. Contrucci, Centier’s senior vice president for community relations, said the bank is proud of its partnership with the Merrillville Community School Corporation.
“As a community bank, our goal is to create a positive impact in the communities that we serve,” Contrucci said. “And I personally take pride when we can support our youth, especially when it is providing them with the resources that they need to continue to excel with their passions.”
The MHS Band Boosters worked hard to raise $10,000 through fundraising campaigns, but the volunteer group needed an additional $10,000 in order to meet the requirements for the school corporation to match, dollar for dollar, the additional $20,000 necessary to purchase the uniforms.
“The uniforms the students currently wear are more than 17 years old and have reached the end of their usefulness,” said Mark Danielson, MHS band director.
Band uniforms are worn at least a dozen times each school year during football games, competitions, parades, pep rallies and many other events, according to Danielson.
“I was a student athlete and member of my school band,” said Contrucci. “My coaches and band directors always stated, ‘if you look sharp you will play sharp and perform well.’ That is why Centier was thrilled to be able to help fund the band’s new uniforms.
“The members of the school band have earned these uniforms due to their hard work, passion, and dedication to their craft, and this gift is an acknowledgment of their sacrifice and success,” he continued. “They deserve them.”