Winners Announced for Statewide Financial Literacy Youth Essay Contest

ALBANY, NY (12/28/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) and the Albany Times Union's Classroom Enrichment Program today announced the winners of their "Lessons to Bank On" essay contest, which was held in the fall. The question posed to students from throughout New York State was "What is really important to you that money can't buy, and why?"

Nearly 100 entries from throughout the state were received, and six winners were selected. The winning essays are published on the Classroom Enrichment Program's website and the CPB's website. In addition, two of the six winners received a $250 savings bond.

Winners were selected on the basis of ability and creativity in answering the question. Winning essays focused on issues such as appreciating the beauty of nature, enjoying the love and company of friends and family, spending time wisely, and expressing oneself through dance.

"The CPB was proud to collaborate with the Albany Times Union to hold this contest as part of our financial literacy program. These essays show that school-age children truly appreciate the things in life that money can't buy," said Mindy A. Bockstein, the CPB's Chairperson and Executive Director. "We can all learn from the wonderful entries that were submitted in this essay contest."

"The Classroom Enrichment Program is excited for the two savings bond winners and to have worked with the Consumer Protection Board on this wonderful opportunity," said Greg Stapleton, the Director of the Classroom Enrichment Program. "This truly showed us the power of all the things money can't buy."

"The students in my class were all excited about the contest and sincere in their entries," said Laurie Britton-Smith, a teacher for winner Angela Nye. "They all shared in the idea that family is more important than money. They also realized that families are not always made up of the traditional ideal. We are very excited that Angela was one of the winners and I am very proud of all of my students."

Below are the winners in each of the two age categories. Congratulations to the winners and hats off to all the participants!

Grades 4 to 8 Winners

  • Hannah Porcelli, Grade 6, Academy of the Holy Names (savings bond winner)
  • Joseph Lewis, Grade 6, St. Gregory's School
  • Makhali Voss, Grade 6, Volney Elementary School

Grades 9 to 12 Winners

  • Angela Nye, Grade 11, Rensselaer Junior Senior High School (savings bond winner)
  • Ruthanne Cantele, Grade 10, Taconic Hills High School
  • Abbie Stasior, Grade 10, Albany Academy for Girls

For more information about the essay contest and the Classroom Enrichment Program, contact Greg Stapleton, Director at gstapleton@classroomenrichment.org.