Glen Crest 8th-grader wins $250 in Money Smart Contest

Glen Ellyn, IL (April 29, 2013) - Matthew Sampey, eighth grade student at Glen Crest Middle School was surprised when he entered his literacy classroom and his teacher, Tracy Kalle, announced to the class that he was a third place winner in the Money Smart contest.

Money Smart Week (April 20-27) is a national collaboration of financial institutions, not-for-profits, schools, libraries and other organizations that sponsor numerous free events to support financial literacy and help consumers to better manage their personal finances. 

Presenting him with a check for $250 was Joseph Orsolini, representing College Aid Planners and a representative from US Bank. Sampey entered the essay contest after reading about it on a newspaper website. The challenge was to explain what the difference was between an expense and investment. The contestant was to choose an investment ahey would like to see in their community and how would the community benefit from it. Sampey chose electric cars and recharging stations. “The project was fun for me because it incorporated social studies and literacy and held my interest all the way through the experience,” Sampey explained.