For many children, dreaming of what they will be when they grow up is exciting. After years of playing pretend and thinking big, that dream job starts to become a reality and students begin exploring college and post-secondary education programs.
To encourage the curiosity that has been planted by families, friends, and teachers along the way, the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office and the Omaha Storm Chasers sponsor the ‘Why I Want to Go to College’ writing sweepstakes for 7th and 8th graders.
For more than 20 years, this program has awarded NEST 529 funds to students. The sweepstakes provides participants with the opportunity to write and submit entries about the value of education and their personal aspirations. This year, three students were awarded in each of Nebraska’s three U.S. congressional districts, as well as three students from outside the state of Nebraska. Click on each story below to read the inspiring entry.
1st Congressional District – Nebraska
First: Aiden Jurgensen, Clarkson
Second: Emily Ballou, La Vista
Third: Knox Petersen, Lincoln
2nd Congressional District – Nebraska
First: Javian Erving, Omaha
Second: Isaac Davidson, Omaha
Third: Olivia Dabbert, Omaha
3rd Congressional District – Nebraska
First: Lila Brennemann, Hyannis
Second: Kylee Osmotherly, Crawford
Third: Kaylin Kliewer, Lawrence
Out-of-State Winners
First: Brielle Feller, Olathe, KS
Second: Ariabella Dimino, Waynesboro, PA
Third: Daniel Dragovich, Lombard, IL