Picture yourself a millionaire. That's exactly what more than 4,000 school-aged children from across the country did by entering the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's 2009 financial literacy poster contest.

A panel of judges representing a cross-section of the media, government, education, and consumer groups, concurred that this year's theme of "I'm going to be a millionaire because I…" was best represented through the artwork submitted by Leah Ellyson, 11th grader from North Marion High School in Farmington, WV. Judging was based on creativity, artwork and expression of theme.

The contest is designed to engage students in thinking about how to manage money effectively, and offers them a creative outlet to express their knowledge. It also provides the opportunity for recognition of student artwork, and rewards local and national winners with U.S. savings bonds and other prizes.

Posters were submitted through NFCC Member Agencies across the country, as well as directly from teachers interested in bringing the concept of financial literacy to their students. Leah submitted her poster through Consumer Credit Counseling Service of North Central West Virginia located in Clarksburg, WV.

"The CCCS team applauds Leah's achievement, recognizing her creativity and hard work as well as her ability to serve as a positive role model for her peers," said Amie Darway, Executive Director. "We're anxious to watch as Leah puts the concepts she expressed through her poster into practice building her fortune."

As the National Winner, Leah will receive the following:

• An all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to receive the award;
• Award recognition plaque; and
• $500 savings bond.

"It's a real privilege for us to honor Leah as the 2009 national poster contest winner," said Susan C. Keating, NFCC president and CEO. "It is so critical to instill the idea of financial responsibility into our youth, and Leah has done an outstanding job of showing how important setting financial goals can be."

Grade category winners of this year's poster contest are as follows:

High School Winner: Stacia Shewmaker, 12th grade, Blackman High School, Rockvale, TN (submitted through Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of East Tennessee)

Middle School Winner: Jessica Shenoi, 8th grade, School of St Mary, Tulsa, OK (submitted through Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Oklahoma)

Elementary School Winner: Jenna Fink, 4th grade, Sparks Elementary, Frisco, TX (submitted through Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Dallas)