Essay contest teaches kids to save

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Astoria Federal Savings held its sixth annual essay contest for children ages 5 to 12, asking them to complete the statement “If I save a lot today, in the future I could…” A record number of essays — more than 1,300 — were received from neighborhood branches throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and Westchester.

Astoria Federal Savings judges selected one winner from each branch, and 11-year-old Fiona O’Neill submitted the winning entry at the West Hempstead branch. Fiona’s winning essay described how with her savings she plans to open a bookstore with a special section featuring free books for people who can not afford them. She would also like to create tutoring programs to help children learn how to read and write.

She visited the West Hempstead branch to receive her award including a $50 U.S. Savings Bond, a Teach Children to Save Certificate, and an Education First medal from Branch Manager Susana Soares.

The judges also selected 10-year-old Thomas McKenna as the winner of the Malverne branch. Thomas’ winning essay described how with his savings he plans to open an aquarium or a zoo to help endangered animals.

He visited the Malverne branch to receive his award including a $50 U.S. Savings Bond, a Teach Children to Save Certificate, and an Education First medal from Branch Manager Joyce Sayegh.