Boisclair in Finals of
National Video Contest
Huntington High School sophomore Thomas Boisclair has advanced to the finals of the American Banker's Association Lights, Camera, Save! video contest. The teenager is one of eight national finalists in the competition, which was introduced to educate teens ages 13-16 about the importance of developing lifelong savings habits.
Mr. Boisclair earlier won Astoria Federal Savings & Loan Assn.'s local contest and was presented with a $100 Best Buy gift card and special certificate. He will now vie for one of several national prizes, including the top prize of a $3,000 U.S. Savings Bond. Other prizes include $1,500 and $500 U.S. Savings Bonds and an iPod Touch.
The Huntington teenager stars in his video, "Learning How to Save," which was shot in the kitchen of his family's home. In his 90-second production, he equates developing good saving habits with following a recipe for success. By mixing the ingredients and allowing time for interest to accrue, Mr. Boisclair bakes "a cake of savings." Throughout the video, he reminds viewers that each person is responsible for their own finances, and that by saving money in a bank account, young people can enjoy the benefits of earning interest.
"We're excited for the eight finalists and wish them luck as they move on to the final judging," says Laura Fisher, director of the ABA Education Foundation, the group that sponsors the program. "We congratulate all of the bank finalists and encourage them to start young, save more."
To view Mr. Boisclair's video and those of the other seven finalists log onto http://www.youtube.com/user/TeachChildrenToSave.
Grand prize winners will be announced on March 1 at 11 a.m. via YouTube. The eight final videos will be reviewed by a judging panel consisting of innovators and communication and personal finance experts.