O’Side youth wins bank essay contest

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Astoria Federal Savings held its eighth 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…”

Nearly 550 essays were received from neighborhood branches throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and Westchester.

Astoria Federal Savings judges selected one winner from each branch, and 9-year-old Lucas Pace submitted the winning entry at the Oceanside branch.

He visited the Astoria Federal Oceanside branch to receive his award including a $25 American Express® Gift Card, a Teach Children to Save Certificate, and an Education First medal from Branch Manager and Vice President, Banking Division Carmela Cacciuottolo.