Virginia Teen Named Grand Prize Winner of National Video Contest

Grant Parsons, an 18-year-old student at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Va., is the national winner of the American Bankers Association Foundation’s Lights, Camera, Save! teen video contest for his entry, “Don’t Burn That Bread.” The ABA Foundation announced the national contest winners today via a video posted to ABA’s Instagram page.

Lights, Camera, Save! is a national contest that encourages teens ages 13-18 to communicate the value of sound money management in a 30-second or less video. This free competition is one of ABA Foundation’s most popular financial education initiatives. This year, there were 350 participating banks in 47 states and Washington, D.C. as a part of Lights, Camera, Save!

Parson’s video—selected after two rounds of judging at the national level including public voting via Instagram— reminds viewers not to “burn” their money on unnecessary items like food delivery services, video games and clothes. Parson advanced to the national competition after winning the local contest at Burke & Herbert Bank in Alexandria, Va., and will take home $5,000 for his first-place finish.

“We are thrilled for Grant Parsons and proud to be part of this major accomplishment,” said David Boyle, president and CEO, Burke & Herbert Bank. “The best way to connect with young people is through something they can relate to and enjoy. Grant’s creative video offers a timely and memorable message about being careful when spending money. Improving the financial knowledge of the next generation of consumers is a great example of what a community bank is all about.”

The ABA Foundation also selected the second and third place winners announced today. Brodee Riley, a 17-year-old student at Hardin County High School in Savannah, Tenn., earned second place for “Budgeting…It’s Not Rocket Science.” Riley won Hardin County Bank’s local competition. Third place was awarded to Angel Aquino, a 16-year-old student at Danville High School in Danville, Ky., for “Stock Market.” Aquino won the local contest at Farmers National Bank in Danville, Ky.

“Grant and the other finalists did a fantastic job creatively communicating the importance of sound money management and we’re proud to recognize them as a part of this year’s Lights, Camera, Save! contest,” said Lindsay Torrico, executive director, ABA Foundation. “I hope their videos will inspire their peers nationwide to think critically about spending and saving and put them on a path toward a stronger financial future.”

First Place Winner—$5,000

Don’t Burn That Bread

Grant Parsons (West Potomac High School, Alexandria, Va.)

Burke & Herbert Bank (Alexandria, Va.)

Second Place Winner—$2,500 

Budgeting…It’s Not Rocket Science 

Brodee Riley (Hardin County High School, Savannah, Tenn.)

Hardin County Bank (Savannah, Tenn.)

Third Place Winner—$1,000

Stock Market 

Angel Aquino (Danville High School, Danville, Ky.)

Farmers National Bank (Danville, Ky.)

Since 1997, the ABA Foundation’s financial education initiatives have reached millions of people through its banker presentations. Current Foundation programs include:

• Teach Children to Save
• Lights, Camera, Save!
• Get Smart About Credit
• Safe Banking for Seniors

Participation in all of the ABA Foundation programs is available free of charge to ABA member banks and nonmember banks.

This year’s contest is generously sponsored by Plinqit, the first platform that brings together automated savings, data-driven financial wellness content and virtual account management.

Note to Editors: Click here to view the grand prize announcement video and national finalists.