Public Debt Begins Search for 1998 Savings Bond Campaign Poster; Launches Annual Student Poster Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 1996

The Savings Bonds program began the search for its 1998 campaign poster today by announcing the 6th annual Savings Bond Student Poster Contest. The contest, for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, provided the artwork for 1996 and 1997 savings bond campaign posters. “Children give us a fresh perspective on the bond program,” said Dino De Concini, Executive Director of Public Debt's Savings Bonds Marketing Office.

Treasury started the poster contest in 1992 as a fun way for students to learn the value of savings. The theme of this year's contest is “U.S. Savings Bonds -- Invest Today, Enjoy Tomorrow.” According to the sponsor of the event, James R. Leva, Chairman, President, and CEO of General Public Utilities Corporation, New Jersey, “The poster contest is a wonderful way to begin teaching our children about the benefits of saving for their future.”

The first, second, and third place national winners will win a $5,000, $2,000, and $1,000 savings bond respectively. The three winners along with a parent or guardian will be flown to Washington, D.C., where they will be honored at a special ceremony. The winning poster from each state and the District of Columbia will be judged for the national awards. The first, second, and third place winner in each state will win a $1,000, $500, and $200 bond respectively.

Students must enter their posters in each state by February 7, 1997. The poster contest has won the endorsement of major educational groups. Among them are: National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, American Association of School Administrators, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the National School Public Relations Association.

Teachers and parents interested in getting information on how to enter the contest can visit Public Debt's Internet home page (www.publicdebt.treas.gov) or write to: National Student Poster Contest, Bureau of the Public Debt, Savings Bonds Marketing Office, Room 331, 999 E St., N.W., Washington, DC 20226.