State treasurer, Omaha Storm Chasers announce annual 'Why I Want to Go to College' writing contest

LINCOLN, Neb. – While a Sunday afternoon at the ball park may seem far away, the time is here for seventh- and eighth-graders to enter the 13th annual “Why I Want to Go to College” writing contest sponsored by the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office and the Omaha Storm Chasers, State Treasurer Don Stenberg said this week.

Twelve winners will be recognized at the May 10 Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion, Neb. Three winners will be chosen in each of Nebraska’s three U.S. Congressional districts, and three winners will be selected from outside Nebraska.

First-place winners will each receive a $2,000 contribution to a NEST college savings plan. Second-place winners will each receive a $1,000 contribution to a NEST plan and third-place winners will each receive a $500 contribution to a NEST plan. First-place winners from Nebraska will receive a one-night hotel stay in Omaha, and all Nebraska winners will receive tickets to the May 10 game.

“Every year we are impressed with the big plans that seventh- and eighth-graders write about in their ‘Why I Want to Go to College’ essays,” Treasurer Stenberg said. “But we are also struck by the students’ references to their family members, teachers, neighbors and friends who inspire and motivate them to do well. Contributing to a NEST college savings account for a child, grandchild, niece, nephew or friend can go a long way to making these big plans reality.”

Treasurer Stenberg said he encourages all seventh- and eighth-graders in public schools, private schools and home schools in Nebraska to enter. A total of 1,044 entries were received last year. As in the past, preliminary judging will be done by students and faculty in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and final selections will be made by Stenberg.

Entries are due by March 27. The following rules apply to contest entries:

• No longer than 750 words.

• Subject matter to be focused on the student’s educational goals and dreams for the future.

• Must be student’s original work.

• Must be typed, double spaced on 8½- by 11-inch paper.

• Must be accompanied by required cover sheet.

• Entries to be mailed to Andrea Stava, assistant general manager of operations, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, Neb. 68046.

• Essays must be postmarked by March 27, 2015. Winners will be notified in late April.

• See complete contest rules at http://treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/scholarships/essay/college/2015/contest-announcement/ for more details.

NEST is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan that provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as the program trustee, while First National Bank serves as the program manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council.