The American Bankers Association has announced the winners of the national teen savings video contest, Lights, Camera, Save! Michaela Oh, who was selected by American Riviera Bank to move on to the national level of the contest, won first place overall in the nation.

With her win, Oh takes home a cash prize of $5,000 to fund her savings goal, and proves there really is much to gain by saving.

The Lights, Camera, Save! video contest encouraged youths ages 13-18 to create an educational video showing how to save and use money wisely in a way that was appealing to other teenagers.

Young people submitted videos to their local participating banks who were tasked with promoting a local winner to go on to the national level. The national winners were then selected by a panel of five judges composed of leaders from the finance and financial education sectors.

American Riviera Bank hosted the local round of the contest and chose Oh’s aptly titled video, “Save Your Money and Stay Winning,” as the winning local entry. This move catapulted her onto the national stage, where she won first place.

“Congratulations to Miss Michaela Oh. Not only has she furthered her own savings goals, but her video will now reach a national audience and help other teens begin savings efforts of their own,” said Jeff DeVine, American Riviera Bank president/CEO. “We know a winner when we see one, and we’re happy that her talents were also recognized at the national level.”

Oh’s video will be featured on the program’s YouTube channel and will become part of a national campaign to make sound money management relevant to teenagers.

Oh’s school will benefit as well, receiving a scholarship for a teacher to attend the Jump$tart National Educator Conference, where participants will gain information and tools to provide financial educational and literacy in their classrooms.

The Lights, Camera, Save! program serves as an entertaining way to educate younger audiences on the important topic of financial literacy and responsibility. American Riviera Bank shows its commitment to financial literacy by bringing programs such as Lights, Camera, Save! to local junior highs and high schools as well as offering annual Teen Banking classes.

“As teens start their first jobs and face important financial decisions associated with college, it is crucial that they have a sound base of financial knowledge,” said DeVine. “Here at American Riviera Bank, we’re investing in the future of our community by providing the tools needed for the next generations to grow up to be financially literate and responsible.”

To see Oh’s winning entry, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpzGmJSp5RQ.

Learn more about Lights, Camera, Save! at www.lightscamerasave.com. For more about American Riviera Bank, visit www.AmericanRivieraBank.com.