For the past thirty-one years, between September and December, all of the third-graders from Peabody’s elementary schools visit the place of George Peabody’s birth to learn about their city’s namesake and his philanthropic ventures. After their tour, the children are asked to write an essay on how they would use their money to help the world if they were a philanthropist. Of all the essays submitted, the top three are chosen and displayed in all the schools throughout the remaining school year.
As annual sponsors of the contest, North Shore Bank provides savings accounts of $100 for the first place winner, $75 for the second place winner and $50 for the third place winner, as well as two $25 prizes for the honorable mentions.
Mary Lou Da Silva, Branch Manager of North Shore Bank’s Peabody Square office and also a member of the Essay Judging Committee said:
We are very proud to continue our support of this great event. We would like to congratulate, not only the winning students, but their parents and all of the students who participated in this contest. George Peabody supported and gave back to his community, and we’re proud to continue that tradition.
This year’s winners, Amaya Ransom, Layla Cantanzano and Jack Lynch, were honored during a ceremony held at the museum, where they met with city dignitaries and received gift bags from the Bank. This year, two honorable mentions were also awarded to Jackson Deschamps and Theo Ribeiro.