Astoria Federal Savings Essay Contest Winner Jimmy Knap is presented with his award from former Astoria Federal Covert Avenue Branch Manager Justin Kilian. In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, Astoria Federal Savings held its fourth annual essay contest for children, ages 5-12, asking them to complete the statement: "If I save a lot today, in the future I could..." Hundreds of essays were received from the participating neighborhood branches throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester.

Astoria Federal local branch managers each selected one winner, and 9-year-old Jimmy Knap of Garden City submitted the winning entry at the Covert Avenue branch. Jimmy's winning essay describes how with his savings he plans to donate to "The Smile Train", a charity that provides cleft palate surgery to children around the world.

He visited the Covert Avenue branch to receive his awards including a $50 U.S. Savings Bond, a Teach Children to Save Certificate and an Education First medal from former Branch Manager Justin Kilian.