CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack on Monday will announce the grand prize winner of this year’s SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest during a special awards ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Monday, March 23 at the Culture Center in Charleston.
The SMART529 program has invited the 15 regional student winners and statewide teacher winner along with their families and school officials to attend the awards ceremony to be recognized.
The 15 students will each have an opportunity to read their winning essays prior to the grand prize drawing.
Each regional student winner received $500 to invest into a SMART529 account. An additional $4,500 will be awarded to the grand prize winner, who will be randomly selected and announced during the awards ceremony.
The event will be live streamed on all @WVTreasury social media pages.
Treasurer Pack will be available for media interviews.
Details for the awards ceremony:
WHAT: SMART529 “When I Grow Up” Essay Contest Awards Ceremony
WHEN: 11 a.m. Monday, March 23
WHERE: Culture Center Great Hall
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV
The “When I Grow Up” student and teacher essay contests are sponsored by SMART529, Hartford Funds and the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office to promote awareness of SMART529 and the need for higher education savings.
Nearly 2,000 students around the state participated in the contest this year. Essays from three age groups (grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5) were judged in each of the five geographic regions, for a total of 15 regional winners.
Each regional winner’s school was awarded a $500 cash prize to support school programs. Kindergarten through fifth grade teachers also had the opportunity to compete in the teacher portion of the essay contest. This year’s winning teacher received a $2,500 cash prize.
SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 and the “When I Grow Up” essay contest is available at www.SMART529.com.
