‘When I Grow Up’ Essay Contest Winners Announced For College Savings Program

Fifteen West Virginia students have won this year’s SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest.

State Treasurer Larry Pack made the announcement and visited Overbrook Elementary School in Charleston on Monday, June 2 to present a $500 check to Hayden Rolfe, a third-grade student, who wants to become a NASA astronaut.

SMART529 is a college savings plan offered by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs.

Now in its 18th year, the “When I Grow Up” essay contest allows students to submit a short essay of 200 words or less that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Winners receive $500 for their savings account, and another $500 for their school.

“My office is thrilled to deliver this money which recognizes schools who encourage their families to think about their child’s future education and offer a savings strategy to support it,” Pack said in a release. “As a father of six children, I know the importance of saving for college. These 15 regional winners took the time to think about what they want to do and who they want to be when they grow up. I congratulate these students for sharing their aspirations. My hope is this writing contest inspired them to achieve their dreams and eventually become the future leaders of our state.”

Overbrook Elementary School Principal Katie Herscher said the school plans to invest the $500 into their robotics program.

“This money will be dedicated to our library that we are turning into a bigger space and a full technology lab. This will go into helping with our robotics in the future and lots of new purchases,” Herscher said. “We greatly appreciate it. Hayden did a wonderful job. We’re very proud of him. This really means a lot to us.”

A teacher from Raleigh County was also selected as the recipient of $2,500 in the teacher portion of the essay contest.

One of the 15 student winners will also be randomly selected to receive a $5,000 grand prize toward a SMART529 account during an awards ceremony on Sept. 19 at the state Culture Center in Charleston.

The winners, their schools and their dream professions are:

Region One: 

• Jaxon Bryant, 1st Grade at Holden Central Elementary in Logan County – Paleontologist/Marine Biologist 
• Matthew “Parker” Delp, 2nd Grade at Mabscott Elementary in Raleigh County – Welder 
• Lucas Dingess, 4th Grade at Hugh Dingess Elementary in Logan County – Astronaut

Region Two: 

• Cora Neace, 1st Grade at One Elementary in Cabell County – Vet
• Hayden Rolfe, 3rd Grade at Overbrook Elementary in Kanawha County – NASA Astronaut
• Iva Flanagan, 4th Grade at Holz Elementary in Kanawha County – Fashion Designer

Region Three: 

• Aiden Jose, Kindergarten at The Bruceton School in Preston County – Mechanical Engineer
• Reese Morris, 2nd Grade at Franklin Farms Academy in Marion County – Illustrator
• Grady Walsh, 4th Grade at Terra Alta East Preston School in Preston County – Agritourism Entrepreneur

Region Four: 

• Roberto Gutierrez, Kindergarten at Hedgesville Elementary in Berkeley County – Scientist 
• Lyra Gildowan, 3rd Grade at Warm Springs Intermediate in Morgan County – Teuthologist  
• Corrina Burkhart, 4th Grade at Jennings Randolph Elementary in Randolph County – Entomologist

Region Five: 

• Maizy Cooper, Kindergarten at A.T. Allison Elementary in Hancock County – Architect 
• Hudson Adams, 2nd Grade at Wheeling Country Day School in Ohio County – Penguinologist 
• Gabby Dantrassy, 5th Grade at Glen Dale Elementary in Marshall County – Virtual Reality Game Designer