CENTERVILLE—Kids from Centerville Elementary carried on a 50-year tradition at Zions Bank Tuesday when they participated in the bank's “Lights On” tree trimming event. The third graders hung handmade ornaments on the tree in the lobby and then stood back as the tree lights came on.

“Zions is a big supporter of education,” said Centerville Branch Manager Susanna DeRuvo. “It gives us a chance to get to know the kids and we also give $100 to the school for whatever they need.”

Students walked from the school to the bank. “Zions sends a letter to invite the closest school to the branch to participate,” DeRuvo said. “The kids always look forward to doing it every year. They make their own ornaments and hang them – it’s just fun.”

More than 3,000 elementary school students have participated in the annual “Lights On” event throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. 

Zions Bank has other programs that support education, said DeRuvo. “We pay for As on a report card. If students bring in their report card we give them $1 for each A and it goes into their 529 account.”

Employees go volunteer to read to students in the schools too, she said. “Our CEO Scott Anderson personally went into schools to teach about banking. We need to teach kids from a young age not just about saving money but how to balance a checkbook. Scott also teaches a teen crash course on using credit wisely.”

DeRuvo said she likes how the bank is so involved in the community. “They care about education and we have paintings hanging on the walls that are all from local artists. They also get involved with veterans and minorities.”

“We got a school email asking classes to decorate ornaments,” said Centerville Elementary third grade teacher Sky Wiser. “All the grades K-6 made them and then they asked one class to come down and decorate the tree.”

Third grader Molly Mecham was excited to decorate the tree and she can’t wait for Christmas. “This is fun,” she said. “I’m asking for a watch and a hair set. I'm going to go sledding during winter break.” 

Cohen Emery was anxious to hang his ornament. “Mine has red and green stripes with sparkles,” he said. “It took me about 40 minutes to make.”

Emery is also excited about Christmas. “Every Christmas we get a surprise to go somewhere. I want to go to Nevada. It just sounds like a fun place.”

The decorated tree is in the lobby of the Centerville Branch at 440 W. Parrish Lane. It will be on display through Christmas.