Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt awards statewide financial literacy scholarships

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt awards statewide financial literacy scholarships

Topeka, Kan. - Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced the overall winners of the financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.

Earlier this year, the Department granted $10,000 each to three organizations for a financial literacy essay contest. Jobs for America's Graduates Kansas, Junior Achievement of Kansas, and the Kansas Council for Economic Education each entered a selection of essays from Kansas students who participated in their financial literacy programs offered in over 200 high schools across the state. The students with the top three essays from each organization were awarded a share of $10,000 in scholarships. The first-place essay from each organization then advanced to compete for an overall contest winner, and a share of an additional $10,000.

The contest finalists and their awards are:

1^st Place, $5,000 - Eric Bustillos Andrade, Newton High School (JAG-K)

2^nd Place, $3,000 - Alexis Licklider, Goddard High School (KCEE)

3^rd Place, $2,000 - Linzy Tumey, Hope Street (Junior Achievement)

"This year's winners demonstrated not only a strong grasp of financial concepts, but a clear commitment to making informed, responsible decisions," said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. "Their insights reflect a growing generation that is better prepared to navigate financial challenges and make a positive impact in their communities."

The winning students receive their scholarships in addition to the $5,000 scholarship they won in the first round of the contest. The students receive the award money in the form of a 529 savings account to use for the advancement of their education. Previously announced winners from each participating organization can be found online at insurance.kansas.gov/news. For more information about the Kansas Insurance Department or to learn more about making smart investment decisions, visit insurance.kansas.gov and SmartInvestKS.gov.