Winners in Money Smart Poster Contest receive new Amazon tablets

ABOVE: From front left, St. Malachy fifth-graders Ashlyn Baker and Cecilia Zachary hold up their winning posters following an assembly at the school May 31. Back, from left, are Kyle Wilson (First National Bank), Nicole Lesan (ISSB) and Dawn Loudon (PCSB Bank). These three banks, along with Community Bankers of Iowa, sponsored the poster contest. BELOW: Pictured in front is East Union second grader Maria Long, who was one of three local winners this year.

The three local winners in this year’s Money Smart Week Poster Contest were recently announced.

The local poster contest — sponsored by First National Bank, ISSB, PCSB Bank and Community Bankers of Iowa — is part of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Money Smart Week events (April 22-29). The poster contest received more than 150 submissions for judging this year from students in grades 2-5 at the following schools: Creston Elementary, St. Malachy, Mayflower Heritage and East Union.

Local winners were second-grader Maria Long of East Union and fifth-graders Cecilia Zachary and Ashlyn Baker of St. Malachy. Each won a new Amazon Fire tablet.

On these posters, students answered the question: “Why is it important to know about money?” All submissions were evaluated on the overall message, creativity and workmanship.

All three banks sponsoring this event believe one of the most important life skills children need to learn is how to manage money. The habits and know-how kids develop while growing up could lead to a life of financial security. During judging, bank representatives found it rewarding to see students’ ideas regarding how to save money and also realizing the difference between needs and wants.

The banks have been involved with Money Smart Week and the poster contest since 2012. For more information on Money Smart Week, visit www.moneysmartweek.org.