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Papa John’s of Central Virginia, Virginia529, Richmond Raceway and WRIC TV this week announced their third year of an essay contest for eligible fifth-graders in Henrico and the region.
A student's short essay describing how he or she will help to improve the community could win up to $1,000 toward a Virginia529 college savings account. Virginia529 started in 1994 as a program to help citizens save towards higher education. The group's mission is to make education available to every youngster in Virginia without the burden of debts from student loans.
Six winners will receive $1,000 toward their Virginia529 accounts, along with a family pack of tickets to Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race. Six second-place winners will receive $529 in funds, with a family pack of tickets to ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series Race. In addition, awards will be granted to first-place winners’ schools, second-place winners’ schools and individual teachers. Educators with at least fve students who submit an essay will be entered into a drawing for a $250 VISA gift card.
Interested fifth-graders may visit http://www.virginia529.com/partners/better-future-fund/entry/ to submit their essays. A judging panel will review all applications and select winners based on the best answers to the essay question.
Last year’s top winner, Michael from Chesterfield, wrote: “As a fifth-grader, it is difficult to say what career path I will take in college. However, I do know that I will make a difference in my community and provide a better future, not only for today’s youth, but for adults as well.”
"Many of our Papa John’s employees are currently working their way through school, and to be able to help the next generation of students realize that dream is an important part of our mission – helping our communities," said Stephanie Smith Paul of Papa John’s.
