BEL AIR, MD—Freedom Federal Credit Union recently concluded their fourth #SummerofFreedomFCU photo contest. Diane May, a science teacher at Patterson Mill Midde School in Harford County, won the grand prize of $1,000.

May was on a roll, having just recently been awarded a Golden Apple Educator Award grant by Freedom for use in her science classroom. After the Golden Apple Awards Reception, Diane posed for a picture with her Golden Apple trophy, on which her Freedom sunglasses were perched.

May has been entering Freedom’s summer sunglasses photo contest since it first ran in 2018 and has come very close to winning just about every summer contest since.

“Always the bridesmaid, never the bride,” May laughed. “I have had an entry in every one of Freedom’s summer contests over the last several years, and I always seem to come in second place, but this year was finally my year, and we actually did it!”

May and her husband, along with their two boys have always been supportive, and have often been included in many entries over the years. “You can see my boys growing up when you look back on our submissions, and they’re still helping me with it. I especially couldn’t have gotten those Instagram votes without their help, as that part was new this year,” explained May.

The six-week social media contest called for Harford and Baltimore County participants to post photos of their summer adventures while showcasing Freedom Federal Credit Union’s branded blue and yellow sunglasses. The free sunglasses were available throughout the summer at all six branches in Harford and Baltimore County. The public was invited to vote for their favorite entry on Freedom’s Facebook and Instagram pages as the finalists battled for first place over four days in August.

“These contests do foster my competitive spirit, shared May, and as frantic as it was, I’m grateful for my entire family, including my school family, my hometown family, and all my friends of friends, all of whom I begged to share my post and vote for me.”

When the contest concluded, May had over 700 votes, a narrow lead over the second place winner, Brooke Wagoner, who was vying to win for the second year in a row. Wagoner still walked away with a $250 cash prize for coming in second, and Diana Neville was awarded $100 for third place. Charlie Brown, a Doodle wearing Freedom sunglasses, was also gifted some consolatory dog treats for his owner’s valiant efforts.

A $1,000 check from Freedom Federal Credit Union was presented to Ms. May and her family following the win. The May family is planning a winter holiday vacation, and is looking forward to using their winnings towards their sunny escape.

The #SummerofFreedomFCU contest has solicited hundreds of contest submissions and has featured locations in and around Harford and Baltimore County and as far as Paris, France, and Rome, Italy.

Freedom has just launched a new social media contest in partnership with Harford Community College that is already underway. The #MyFightingOwlsFreedom contest invites participants to post a photo with a caption explaining how the college has helped them find freedom in their lives along with the hashtag.

The new social challenge will accept entries until October 9, either through public social media posts or by emailing the entry to [email protected]. The community will be invited to come together to vote for their favorite entries to win cash prizes of $500, $250, and $150 for the three stories with the most votes. This live vote will take place on Freedom’s Instagram and Facebook pages the week of October 16-20.