SACO — Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution recently announced that 26 of its employees earned 31 certificates, diplomas and honor awards this year.

Sarah Gonneville of the South Portland branch, as well as Kathy Williamson and Dot Poirier of the Saco branch, became Certified Tellers through the Center for Financial Training Education Alliance. The CFTEA curriculum offers tellers a means of development within their position.

“It takes a great deal of commitment and hard work to complete these diplomas and certificates,” said Alison DiCarlo, CFTEA instructor and learning and development manager of the Saco-based bank. “We are proud of all of our employees for their achievements to further continue their education and professional excellence through these programs. Their new skills will increase customer service and overall operations at the bank.”

The following employees were also recognized for their accomplishments from CFTEA programs: Advanced Financial Services Diploma: Michelle Prejean; Advanced Supervisor Certificate: Gary Trempe, Jo-Anna Laverriere, Kelly Currier, Mark Hodgdon, Matt Grenier, Shawn Walton, Steph Paquet and William Hoyle; Bank Security Awareness Certificate: Karen Gendron, Linda Chretien, Natalie Gagnon, Rhonda Johns, Sandra Golash, Sarah Gonneville, Shannon Barlow and Terri Litchfield; Bank Operations Diploma: Suzanne Turcotte and Michelle Prejean; Introduction to Leadership Skills Certificate: Barb Lariviere; Professional Development Certificate for Managers II: Sue Paul; Supervisor Certificate: Michelle Prejean; Supervision Diploma: Jena Walton; and Team Leader Certificate: Debbie Ouellette and Matt Grenier.

In addition, three students were honored for receiving the highest grade in their class lasting multiple days. These honor students include Karyn Labrie for Essential Business Writing; Dennis Dalton for Principles of Banking; and Mark Hodgdon for Verbal Communication.