Jeanne D'Arc Student Members Show Financial Knowledge in Essay Contest

LOWELL – Two Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union Members were chosen as finalists in the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s 29th Annual Massachusetts Student Essay Contest.

Kendra Patel, a seventh grader at Lowell Catholic Elementary School, and Justin Hardy, a seventh grader at Saint Michael School in North Andover, were among eight seventh and eighth grade students who were recognized for their essays. More than 700 students submitted an essay that explained why they think schools should add financial literacy as a core curriculum and how doing so would benefit society as a whole.

The grand prize winner and seven finalists were honored at an awards ceremony on June 8th in Marlborough, MA. Patel and Hardy had the opportunity to read their essays to the ceremony attendees.

Patel explained, “There are plenty of reasons schools should offer financial literacy. Students who learn this become adults who are more likely to live independently, make informed decisions about their money and won’t have to depend on others.”

Similarly, Hardy wrote, “Students would graduate high school having an understanding of how to properly manage their financial responsibilities. Financial literacy classes would help them stay out of debt and help them save for their future.”

“We are very proud of Kendra and Justin for recognizing how important financial literacy is to young students, and how it can greatly impact our society,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “Providing extensive financial education opportunities to our community is an important part of our mission. It is great to see how the younger generations truly see the value of this.”

Both Patel and Hardy received a certificate of achievement and a $250 cash prize.

Photo cutline: Kendra Patel, a Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union member and seventh grade student at Lowell Catholic Elementary School, was awarded as a finalist in the 2018 Cooperative Credit Union Association Massachusetts Student Essay Contest. Patel received a $250 prize.

Photo cutline: Justin Hardy, a Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union member and seventh grade student at Saint Michael School in North Andover, was awarded as a finalist in the 2018 Cooperative Credit Union Association Massachusetts Student Essay Contest. Hardy received a $250 prize.

About Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union:

Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union was established in 1912 and is a full-service, member-owned community-based financial cooperative with more than 85,000 members and $1.3 billion in assets. It operates eight full-service branches in Lowell, Dracut (2), Tyngsboro, Chelmsford, Methuen and Westford, Massachusetts and Nashua, New Hampshire; high-school branches at Lowell High, Dracut High and Nashua High School South; a loan center in Lowell; and a mortgage center in Chelmsford.