Stratford Kingergartner Dreams Big

A kindergartner's drawing depicting her dream to be a veterinarian has helped place her on that path.

student Maya Soto was named a county winner in the CHET Dream Big! Competition. The drawing and essay contest for students in grades kindergarten through five asked them to draw a picture or write an essay that answer the question: "What do I want to do after I go to college?"

Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, who serves as trustee for CHET, hosted an awards ceremony last month at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. 

“I am so impressed by all the amazing entries we received this year, and by every student who is already dreaming big about how they will change the world after college,” Nappier said. “This year we received entries from more than 50 percent of the towns in Connecticut, up from 30 percent in 2010. This means more and more Connecticut families are learning that the CHET direct-sold plan can help them reach their future higher education goals.”

The CHET Dream Big! Competition ran from Feb. 7 through April 4 and generated more than 2,000 drawings and creative essays from students across the state. The contest challenged students to imagine what they could accomplish with a college education, while motivating families to think about saving for college to support their children's dreams.

A panel of judges including volunteers from the Treasurer's Office, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and local professionals selected the competition winners. The winning entries of the 86 county winners and 43 merit winners are currently on display at http://www.chetdreambig.com.

Prizes were awarded during the official awards ceremony.  The parents or guardians of the county winners received a $250 CHET direct-sold 529 account and the parents or guardians of the merit winners received a $50 CHET direct-sold 529 account. In addition, the top 10 teachers whose students submitted the most entries were awarded a $50 prize check that can be used for school supplies.