CALGARY, Alberta–Credit Unions of Alberta have named the winners from its “Class of 2020: Own Your Financial Future” contest.
Launched in June and concluding July 31, high school graduates across Alberta entered the “Class of 2020: Own Your Financial Future” contest via Instagram for their shot at $2,000 to put toward their financial future.
“Created to offset a challenging year felt by graduates that included cancelled graduation ceremonies and altered post-secondary plans, the contest sought to alleviate financial stress felt by many this year,” Credit Unions of Alberta said.
To be considered in the contest, graduates were asked to post a video of themselves to Instagram explaining why they deserved to win and what they would do with the prize money. Following the contest deadline, Alberta Central selected winners who best met or exceeded the criteria, which included demonstrating innovation in their video, describing how they would champion change in their community, and exuding creativity in their submission.
The winners included Vivian Tran from Archbishop MacDonald High School (Edmonton), Ksenia Pankratyeva from Bishop McNally High School (Calgary), and Kwasi Oteng from St. Francis High School (Calgary), who were selected for meeting the criteria set out by Alberta Central, which functions as the central banking facility, service bureau and trade association for Alberta’s credit unions. The three winners’ earnings include $2,000 in cash deposited into a new checking or savings account with their local credit union.
Submissions Via Video
“Now more than ever, graduates could use a financial boost as they head into the next chapter of their lives that have certainly been altered by COVID-19,” said Ian Burns, President and CEO of Alberta Central. “This contest was meant to celebrate their graduation and their future. I want to extend my congratulations to Vivian, Ksenia and Kwasi on well-deserved wins and to all the other applicants who entered the contest.”
According to Credit Unions of Alberta, each winner delivered compelling video submissions, each with a unique story. Tran, of Edmonton, outlined her intentions to use the funds towards her education at University of Alberta and to launch her small business. Oteng shared his plans to pursue his Bachelor of Business at Mount Royal University in Calgary and donate a portion of the funds towards battling heart disease. Lastly, Pankratyeva’s submission centered around her passion of receiving an education in music and her dedication of time and money to women’s shelters.
‘Opportunity to Expand’
“Winning this contest has allowed me to cover some of the costs toward university tuition and help alleviate any stress of having to borrow student loans,” said Tran. “It has given me the opportunity to expand on my small business and allows me to work while doing something I love: creating art.”
For more info: albertacreditunions.com/blog/classof2020