11-year-old Plainview Student Wins Essay Contest

Brandon Feuerstein, 11, of Plainview won Astoria Federal Savings sixth annual essay contest with his entry on what he would do if he saved money for the future.

More than 1,300 children, ages 5-12, participated in Astoria Federal Savings sixth annual essay contest, by completing the statement: “If I save a lot today, in the future I could…” This year’s contest was Astoria Federal Savings’ largest ever, and was part of the Teach Children to Save celebrations conducted in every neighborhood branch throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester.

Brandon received a new laptop computer, which was presented at a recent awards reception. Brandon’s Middle School Principal John McNamara and Fifth Grade Teacher Carole Green from Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School were also presented with a laptop for the school’s use.

In his essay, Brandon writes that with his savings he plans to build a theater in New York City called "Stars of Today," to help people with disabilities and special needs achieve their dreams of being involved in the theater.  “I will not judge these kids by how they look,” Brandon says, and he hopes they will become “legendary and star on Broadway!”

Three first-place winners were chosen, and each received a $500 Savings Bond. They are:

• 7-year-old Kathryn Postiglione of Lynbrook, Nassau
• 9-year-old Hafsa Hossain of Richmond Hill, Queens
• 11-year-old Anthony Sutich of Whitestone, Queens

Three second-place winners were chosen, and each received a $250 Savings Bond. They are:

• 5-year-old Peter Jon Kakalos of North Merrick, Nassau
• 8-year-old Haaris Ajaz of Boro Park, Brooklyn
• 11-year-old Lauren Secilmis of Sunnyside, Queens