Amanda Sirakowski, a student from Massapequa Park is the grand prize winner of an essay contest, one sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings.

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month (April 2006), Astoria Federal Savings held its first annual essay contest for children, ages 5-12, asking the students to complete the statement: "If I Save a Lot Today, In the Future I Could..."

The essay contest was part of Astoria Federal's fun and educational Teach Children to Save Celebrations, which took place in every neighborhood branch throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester.

Astoria Federal local branch managers each selected one winner, and the six top winners were selected from these finalists.

Ms. Sirakowski received a new personal computer for her essay, which was themed "If I saved a lot today, in the future I could ... open a tuition-free dance studio and hold benefit performances to support medical research and entertain seniors."

The second-place winner, 11-year-old Jovana Santiago from Ridgewood won a $1,000 Series EE U.S. Savings Bond.

Four third-place winners were selected and each received a $500 Series EE U.S. Savings Bond. Third-place winners were 9-year-old Michael A. DiAngelo from Astoria who is saving money to become a farmer, 5-year-old Kazi Shafia Maisha from Woodside who is hoping to save enough to become a doctor, 10-year-old Matthew Rosenberg from Glendale will use his savings to travel the world, and 6-year-old Kevin Tobin from Wading River needs his funds to become a space scientist.

Every child who was selected as a local winner from the community received a Teach Children to Save Celebration Award Certificate and an Education First medal. The top six winners and their families were invited to a reception at Astoria Federal's Lake Success Headquarters on July 7, where they were congratulated by Astoria Federal executives and received their prizes.

According to Astoria Federal Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing Brian Edwards, the community bank is continuing its work to improve financial literacy in young people, because early financial literacy builds the foundation for financial health as an adult. "We're always looking for unique, creative and fun ways to help strengthen the many communities we serve," Edwards said. "Teaching financial literacy is one great way to accomplish that goal. We want young people to understand that the student savers of today are the investors of tomorrow."