LOWELL This year marks the 26
th Annual Student Essay Contest, held and sponsored by the Cooperative Credit Union Association. This year's question: "Give an example of how you have seen cooperation and collaboration at work, in your class, your school, your home or your community and how the result was better because of it."
Natalie Barros, a seventh grader at Saint Michael School in Lowell, MA and member of Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, knew exactly what she was going to write about. What she documented in her submitted essay ultimately won her first place in the 2016 Massachusetts Credit Union Student Essay Contest. The contest is open for students in seventh and eighth grade in Massachusetts schools.
"December 7, 2012 was the day that the Sandy Hook Elementary Schools shootings occurred. I remember observing the news and crying after seeing the story about the brave teacher, Kaitlin Roig, who saved the lives of her students by concealing them in a tiny bathroom. She was a hero," Natalie wrote.
Natalie was nine-years-old at the time and wanted to do something for the inspirational teacher she only knew from the news. The fourth grader was about to turn ten and instead of asking for presents from family members and friends, she asked for donations so she could create a care package for Roig that would send her on a trip to Disney World.
"I set up a bank account, called Natalie's Birthday Wish', where people could make direct donations to the cause," she continued in her essay.
Not only did people in her community, friends and family contribute to Natalie's wish, but Natalie got in touch with United Airlines and Disney World. The airline donated two roundtrip tickets along with Disney World who offered a free dining plan and fast passes to the park.
"The cooperation and collaboration of not only my family and friends, but also of complete strangers who wanted to assist me make Kaitlin smile again made my dream come true."
"Natalie not only shared her great writing skills through her essay, but also demonstrated the core values of credit unions and her caring spirit in the story she told," said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Office of Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union. "We are not only proud of her, but also the finalists and all the contest's participants," he added.
Natalie was presented with the first place award of $500 at an awards ceremony held at the Massachusetts State House on June 1, 2016. Seven contest finalists, all of which submitted thoughtful and well-written essays, were also awarded $250. The Association President, Paul Gentile, opened up the ceremony and praised the students for their participation and representation of all that credit unions stand for in the narratives they shared.
The event also included a keynote address by David J. Cotney, Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks, a luncheon and a tour of the State House.
