OF NOTE

AETNA WINS NATIONAL HONOR FOR COMMITMENT TO THE ARTS

Americans for the Arts has recognized Aetna as one of 10 companies in the nation with the greatest commitment to the arts as demonstrated through grants, local partnerships, volunteer programs, matching gifts, sponsorships and board membership.

Since 2006, Aetna has contributed more than $4.9 million to arts programs nationwide, sponsoring dozens of major exhibitions and performances. Headquartered in Hartford, Aetna has directed more than 70 percent of its arts funding toward Connecticut cultural institutions, supporting 257 programs, events and activities. Aetna is one of the founding funders of the Greater Hartford Arts Council.

A representative from Aetna will accept the company’s award on Oct. 5 at a black-tie gala at the Central Park Boathouse in New York City.

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INTERNS TEACH — AND LEARN — AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS

Five student interns from Bank of America’s Student Leaders Program spent the summer coordinating fun and instructional program services and activities for the city youths at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s Summer Fun Club.

From the basketball court to arts and crafts, to the world of science, each demonstrated they feel that giving back ‘rules.’

The paid internship combines summer counseling work at BGCH’s Club sites around the city with an all-expense-paid/week-long Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. hosted by Bank of America. As a break in between the controlled chaos of keeping hundreds of children entertained and engaged through focused activities, the interns got to meet with senators, take part in a mock Congress and learn from speakers and workshops.

The interns have some impressive goals: Sheila Bertrand, 16, plans to study chemistry in pursuit of a career as a trauma surgeon; Tea Llakmani, 18, is interested in both international relations and the pharmacy field; Tashaya Odney, 18, a long-time volunteer at the BGCH, wants to become a psychologist; Hazmira Udovcic, 18, likes finance and communications; and Roberto Sanchez, 18, has targeted criminal justice with interest in the Teach for America program.

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