Way to Go: Brandon Feuerstein

Brandon Feuerstein has some truly theatrical plans in store for his future savings.

Brandon, a sixth-grader at Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School and a student at Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts, won the grand prize last month from among 1,300 regional entrants in a sixth annual essay contest coordinated by Astoria Federal Savings. The contest theme was: "If I save a lot today, in the future I could . . ."

In his winning two-page essay, Brandon wrote that with his savings he plans to build a theater in New York City called Stars of Today that would help people with disabilities and special needs achieve their dreams of being onstage.

"When tickets are sold, the money would go to the parents of the actors and actresses to help pay for their medicine and equipment," said Brandon, 11, who won a $50 savings bond and laptops for himself and his middle school. "I will not judge these kids by how they look."

Brandon is a member of his school's drama club and last year appeared in its production of "Seussical the Musical."

Kathryn Postiglione, 7, of Lynbrook, was named a first-place winner in the contest.