June, 2016 (Leominster, Mass.) — Lily Moran, a student at the Clinton Middle School, sponsored by Leominster Credit Union, was named a finalist in the 26th annual Massachusetts Credit Union Student Essay Contest, sponsored by the Cooperative Credit Union Association, Inc. (“CCUA”). An award ceremony for the students was held in the prestigious Great Hall at the State House in Boston.
The awardees—all students in either the seventh or eighth grade—along with parents, family members, teachers, and their credit union sponsors, were recognized with a special luncheon, State House tour, monetary awards, citations from Governor Charlie Baker and plaques presented by their local lawmakers. The finalists each received $250.
CCUA President Paul Gentile kicked off the day’s ceremony by welcoming the students and their families, noting that the essays reflected many of the core values cherished by all credit unions, from financial literacy to the most common credit union principle, “People Helping People.”
“The ability to motivate people, help them and change things through the power of your writing talents is a most valuable skill—one that will serve you and others very well in your future careers,” said Gentile, in encouraging the students to continue to master their writing talents.
Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks David Cotney was the guest speaker at the ceremony. As head of the agency that oversees the supervision of more than 200 banks and credit unions with total combined assets in excess of $400 billion, Cotney applauded the students for their writing achievements and invited all present to consider who among these students, because of their outstanding writing talents, will become the next scientist, lawyer, teacher, or possibly, even a public servant like a banking commissioner.
This year’s essay contest winner and finalists, along with their sponsoring credit unions, are:
Winning Entry: Natalie Barros, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union (Lowell)
Other Finalists included:
Taryn Dineen, City of Boston Credit Union (Boston)
Christopher Dupuis, St. Anne’s Credit Union (Fall River)
Hadiya Giwa, Worcester Credit Union (Worcester)
Lily Moran, Leominster Credit Union (Leominster)
Kerri Horan, Methuen Federal Credit Union (Methuen)
Erin Shenk, IC Federal Credit Union (Fitchburg)
Angela Truong, Metro Credit Union (Chelsea)
(L-R) Barbara Mahoney, LCU Senior Vice President, Lily Moran, Ellen Coughlin, LCU HR Manager
