The following press release originally appeared in the January 22 edition of The Nugget newspaper.
Sisters-based nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) is kicking off its campaign for the 2025 Banner Project – a local tradition that celebrates graduating high school seniors.
For three weeks in late April and early May, the banners hung from lamp posts in downtown Sisters will feature some familiar faces – those of students due to graduate from Sisters High School and other local schools. The program aims to showcase Sisters’ hometown pride while celebrating the academic accomplishments of local youth.
C4C relies on an annual crowdfunding campaign to bring the Banner Project to life. This year, they hope to raise $4,000 from the community to cover project costs. Individuals and businesses can make a tax-deductible donation by visiting citizens4community.com/banners.
“The Banner Project is an annual highlight for me,” said Kellen Klein, C4C Executive Director. “It’s simple, but brings so much joy to our town. Watching seniors proudly pose for photos under their banner…you can see how much it means to them and their families to be supported by the community in this way.”
In 2024, C4C raised over $3,500 in just eight days to fund the Project. They’re hoping to match that pace this year, and are getting an early boost from a local business – Sisters Bakery has offered to match the first $400 in donations.
“The Banner Project is one of our favorite local traditions,” said Spencer Hamiga, owner of Sisters Bakery. “We’re excited to help kick off the 2025 campaign, and can’t wait to see whose banners end up in front of the Bakery!”
Approximately 100 student banners will be randomly hung along Cascade, Main, and Hood Avenues. After their removal, they’ll be taken to Sisters High School and hung in the commons for the final weeks of the school year. Each student will ultimately receive their banner as a graduation gift from the community.
Klein emphasized that the Banner Project is a “true community effort.” Three parents of seniors – Amber Sitz, Steph Berg, and Carlene Turpen – are providing volunteer support. SHS staff Bethany Gunnarson, Susie Seaney, and Katie Arends are coordinating banner production, senior photo collection, and in-school display, respectively. Explore Sisters is handling downtown display timing, and the City’s Public Works team will guide banner installation and take-down. New this year – Sisters High School seniors are leading the banner design process.
“This project is such a heart-warming conclusion to our kids’ academic journey in Sisters,” said Sitz. “We love seeing the community come together for it each year.”
The project is not exclusive to students attending Sisters High School. Sisters-area graduating seniors who are homeschooled or attend other institutions are also invited to participate, and can request inclusion by emailing C4C at director@citizens4community.com.
Tax-deductible donations can be made online at citizens4community.com/banners, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 2193, Sisters, OR 97759 (please write “Banner Project” on the memo line).
About Citizens4Community (C4C):
Citizens4Community (C4C) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters a connected community in Sisters Country, Oregon by encouraging civility, collaboration, and civic engagement. Learn more at citizens4community.com.
Press Contact:
Kellen Klein
Executive Director
Citizens4Community
Email: director@citizens4community.com
Phone: (541) 203-0527