Prescott, Wyllie top writing competition

Jessica Prescott and Xavier Wyllie, first form students of the Girls’ High School and St. Vincent Grammar School respectively, were adjudged winners of the Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union (KCCU), Kingstown Co-operative Youth Club (KCYC) story writing competition.{{more}}

The two youngsters, who were asked to write an original story from a painting depicting a KCCU representative accepting a piggy bank from a junior saver, beat out several other participants in the competition to take the first and second place spot respectively.

Prescott’s story won the first prize of $250, plus other prizes while Wyllie won $150 and other prizes for placing second.

Shortly after the awards presentation at KCCU, on Friday, September 23, an elated Prescott said she was surprised that she was announced as the winner.

“I feel good, very elated that I won, because I did not know I won until they called my name, stated the Dorsetshire Hill resident.

A boy of few words, Xavier told SEARCHLIGHT that he is happy for placing in the competition and thanked his mother for her help in the beginning.

Cicyln Joseph, president of the KCCU told the small gathering that KCYC is a club for young people between the ages of 5 and 18 years old. She noted that the club is geared towards encouraging young people to save and also to develop their skills.

Giving a brief overview of the competition, member of the Supervisory Committee at KCCU Grenville Williams said the competition required persons to tell an original story in a concise, precise, manner using 250 words.

Commenting on the essays, Williams said they were focused on the theme of encouraging young person to save at a very early age. He also noted that KCCU must be commended for reaching out to young people.

Other participants of the competition were presented with accounts at KCCU. (KW)

First place story
by Jessica Prescott

The delicious smell of mama’s Bakes and Saltfish drifted throughout the household and lured Bobby in. “There’s nothing better” he said as he entered the kitchen.

“Someday I’m going to open my own restaurant and this meal will be on the menu everyday” he said.

“You’re serious”, Mama knew this was no joke, “Of Course.”

“Then you must start saving now and I know just the place where to start”, Mama smiled to herself. She knew as Bobby got older his mind would change, she also knew how hard it was to keep him from spending all his money.

The next day, Mama went to town with Bobby and his piggybank. “Kingstown Co-operative Credit Union?” Bobby wondered.

“You’ll be saving your money here”, she replied, “which means you should start saving some of the money you get for school”. Bobby hesitated, “Alright” he said.

When they entered the Credit Union, the teller, Mrs. Browne, greeted them with a smile. She explained to Bobby how fun it is to save. “Saving helps you to be more responsible and your savings will be secured, I assure you”.

Bobby handed her his piggybank. “When my restaurant is built, you’ll be my favorite customer,” said Bobby. “I’m sure I will” she said.

“Thanks you for your time” said Mama. “We must be going Bobby, Goodbye, Mrs. Browne.”

When Bobby grew up he opened his restaurant and didn’t hesitate to give credit to KCCU for introducing him to saving when he was younger.

Second place story
by Xavier Wyllie

One day Jimmy walked into the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union with his piggy bank in his hand.

Entering the credit union, he walked up to the attendant and said “Good Morning”. The lady replied, “Good morning to you too. My name is Ms. Jack and how can I help you?”

Handing the piggy bank to her, he said “I will like to open a new savings account, with the money I have here.

Behind Ms. Jack, Jimmy could see a big metal vault with many other piggy banks in it.

Jimmy asked the lady “is saving my money a good thing”? Ms. Jack answered “Yes Jimmy, saving your money as a little boy is very good”.

“Am I not too young to start saving money,” Jimmy asked. “No” said Ms. Jack “You are not too young”.

Jimmy was delighted to hear Ms. Jack explain the benefits of saving his money. She told him about putting his money in a Junior Savings Account and continue to make his monthly payment to the account. He can withdraw money from the saving to purchase school supplies.

Not only that when you are eighteen years you can continue this Saving or transfer it to a Share Account, and with this account you can borrow money to further your studies, buy a car, take a vacation, or even build a house, but you have to pay it back, this is call a Loan.

After hearing all this Jimmy was convinced to open his first account.