LENEXA, Kan. – Credit Union of Johnson County has named its new millionaire – 12-year-old Tyler Kesterson. As part of a program to demonstrate it really pays to save, Kesterson was presented a one-day share certificate of deposit for $1 million. The interest accrued from the million-dollar CD (about $100) was his to keep and was deposited into his $olid $aver account. In addition, the young millionaire was the honored guest at a private reception with credit union dignitaries and U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore (Kansas, Third District), and was presented a "Key to the City of Lenexa" by Mayor Michael Boehm. Another surprise included a red-carpet walk to a limousine ride and private lunch with his parents and Credit Union of Johnson County CEO John Beverlin. Following lunch, the limousine returned Kesterson to his school, where some 60 sixth-grade classmates were on hand to greet the "millionaire". "This is a great way to get kids excited about financial education," said Kathy Saunders, Credit Union of Johnson County's Business Development Representative and coordinator of the "Millionaire for a Day" program. "It highlights the benefits of making smart money choices, the importance of savings, and the value of accruing interest." Saunders patterned the event after a program conducted by CP Federal Credit Union in Jackson, Michigan, which held a similar millionaire event in 2001 through its 28 student branches. The CP Federal staff shared their ideas and offered Saunders helpful suggestions as she modified the event for Credit Union of Johnson County. During National Credit Union Youth Week, Credit Union of Johnson County's youth members were encouraged to make new deposits at the credit union. With each deposit, they were automatically entered in the "millionaire" drawing.
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