In recognition of national Teach Children to Save Day last month April 12, the Martha’s Vineyard Savings Bank sponsored its 10th annual essay contest for fifth, sixth and seventh graders. The topic for this year’s essay was: In our world where financial differences have wide gaps, explain what the differences are between “wants” and “needs.”

The contest was judged on May 10 at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School by Peg Regan (past principal), Todd Sawyer (English teacher) and Ann Tyra (bank trustee).

The winners are as follows: first place, Kylie Hatt, sixth grade, Edgartown School ($200 U.S. savings bond); second place, Ruby Dix, sixth grade, Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School ($100 U.S. savings bond); third place, Grant Pertile, sixth grade, Edgartown School ($50 U.S. Savings Bond); honorable mention, Pearl Vercruysse, sixth grade, West Tisbury School ($25 American Express Gift Card).

The first and second place essays are published here.