CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – State Treasurer Larry Pack visited Overbrook Elementary School in Charleston on Monday, June 2 to present a $500 check as one of the school winners of the 2025 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” statewide essay contest.
“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,” Treasurer Pack said. “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.”
Treasurer Pack on Monday morning presented $500 to Overbrook Elementary School. The winning student from that school is Hayden Rolfe, a third-grade student, who wants to become a NASA astronaut.
Overbrook Elementary School Principal Katie Herscher said the school plans to invest the funds 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,” Principal Herscher said. “We greatly appreciate it. Hayden did a wonderful job. We’re very proud of him. This really means a lot to us.”
The essay contest allows students to submit, in 200 words or less, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Entries were judged on originality, creativity and the importance of post-secondary education.
The contest, now in its 18th year, gives kindergarten through fifth-grade students the chance to win up to $5,000 in SMART529 savings for higher education a $500 cash prize for their school.
The winners, their schools and their dream professions are:
2025 “When I Grow Up” Contest Student Winners
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
Kindergarten through fifth grade teachers also had the opportunity to compete in the teacher portion of the essay contest.
This year’s winning teacher received a $2,500 cash prize.
2025 ‘When I Grow Up’ Statewide Teacher Winner:
- Mrs. Beth Jones, Teacher at Sophia Christian Academy, Raleigh County
Out of the regional winners, one grand prize winner will be randomly selected to receive a total of $5,000 toward a SMART529 account during an awards ceremony on Sept. 19 at the State Culture Center in Charleston.
SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 plans and investment options is available at www.SMART529.com.
