The Arizona Family College Savings Plan launched its first-ever essay writing contest last fall in celebration of its 20th anniversary. The writing competition was open to all fifth graders across the state. The youths were prompted to explain how they plan to change the world in 20 years. Hundreds of essays were submitted from cities throughout the state, and winners for each represented county were recently chosen.

The inspiring writing contest was held to commemorate 20 successful years of the program’s existence in Arizona. Winners will each receive $529 toward an AZ529 college savings plan, which may be used for future qualified educational expenses. Students from seven counties in Arizona submitted original essays into the writing contest. A panel of judges reviewed each essay and scored it based upon the ideas, organization and originality of the content provided.

“Reading through the contest submissions was both encouraging and uplifting” says Deena Lager, director of the Arizona Family College Savings Program. “We couldn’t believe how many unique, heart-warming ideas for changing the world were shared with us by these incredible fifth-grade students. The AZ 529 Program is excited to recognize Arizona’s youth for their passionate dreams of a brighter future with a $529 boost their college savings.”

Seven young writers in Maricopa and Pima Counties impressed the judges with their creativity, ingenuity and style of their essays. The winners for those areas are Aydin Daniel, who attends Basis Scottsdale, Samuel Lipovitch from Madison Traditional in Phoenix, Ella Day from Archway Great Hearts in Scottsdale and Nevin Atodaria from Fireside Elementary in Scottsdale.
In Pima County, the three selected winners are Nicole Devine and Ysabella Tripp, who both attend Elvira Elementary in Tucson, and Zoe Douglas from Sycamore Elementary School in Vail. Arizona’s 529 plan offers a tax-advantaged way to set money aside for educational pursuits. Visit: az529.gov