State Treasurer Announces Winners of the "Why I Want to go to College" Essay Contest

State Treasurer Shane Osborn, along with the Omaha Royals Baseball Club, are pleased to announce that nine 7th and 8th grade students from across the state will receive a college savings account for their efforts in the 5th annual "Why I Want to Go to College" essay contest. "We want the young people in Nebraska to be able to realize the dream of attending the college of their choice. The best way to achieve their college goals is to work hard and start saving at a young age," said Treasurer Osborn. The intent of the essay was for the student to recognize the importance of a college education and what they hope to achieve in life through education. Each of the three Nebraska Congressional Districts were awarded a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. There were also a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner in the out of state category. "We had over 500 entries, and all of the essays submitted were outstanding. Every student who participated can be very proud of their efforts and participation in our contest," stated Treasurer Osborn.

The winners of the essay contest are:

In addition, each winner receives four tickets to the Nebraska vs. Creighton baseball game on Tuesday, May 15th at Omaha's Rosenblatt Stadium. During the game, each winner will be recognized for his or her achievement. The winners will also receive four Henry Doorly Zoo passes. 1st Place winners will be treated to a one night stay at one of the Omaha area's premier hotels. Prizes are courtesy of the Omaha Royals and Nebraska State Treasurer's Office. Out of state participants (non-Nebraska residents) will receive monetary prizes of $1,000, $500, $300 towards one of Nebraska's College Savings Plans for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place respectively.

Nebraska's college savings plans are an excellent investment option allowing parents and grandparents the ability to save for college with tax savings advantages at both the state and federal level. The savings can be applied to public, private or religious schools nationwide. Since the inception of the program in January 2001, more than $1.7 billion has been invested in over 146,000 accounts.

The college savings program is administered by the Nebraska State Treasurer. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as the program manager. There are four plans within Nebraska's Educational Savings Plan Trust - the College Savings Plan of Nebraska, TD AMERITRADE 529 College Savings Plan, the AIM College Savings Plan, and the State Farm College Savings Plan. For more information, contact Rachel Rezabek at 402-471-1088.

The Omaha Royals are the Triple-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. In 2007, the Omaha Royals will again play 144 games (72 at home) from early April to early September. More than 319,000 fans attended Omaha Royals games in 2006 which helped the club draw over 300,000 fans to Rosenblatt Stadium for the 19th consecutive season. For more information about the Omaha Royals, please log on to www.oroyals.com.