Student wins essay contest

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Astoria Federal Savings held its fourth annual essay contest for children, ages 5-12, asking them to complete the statement: “If I save a lot today, in the future I could…” Hundreds of essays were received from the participating neighborhood branches throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester.

Astoria Federal local branch managers each selected one winner, and 11-year-old Madeline Berger submitted the winning entry at the East Meadow branch. Madeline’s winning essay describes how with her savings she plans to go to college to become an elementary school teacher.

She visited the East Meadow branch to receive her awards including a $50 U.S. Savings Bond, a Teach Children to Save Certificate and an Education First medal from Branch Manager Sharon Phillips.