Glen Dale Elementary Student Named Regional Winner of WV Essay Contest
Gabby Dantrassy, a fifth-grade student at Glen Dale Elementary School, is a regional winner of the statewide 2025 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” student essay contest, sponsored by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office. She loves art and wrote about becoming a virtual reality (VR) game designer.
The annual essay contest encourages students across the state to reflect on their dreams and future careers. Participants were required to submit, in 200 words or fewer, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Entries were then judged on originality, creativity and the importance of post-secondary education.
In its 18th year, the SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest gave kindergarten through fifth-grade students a chance to win both SMART529 savings for higher education and cash prizes for their schools.
Dantrassy, representing Region V, is one of the 15 winners among five regions in three age groups (K-1, 2-3, 4-5). Her thoughtful and inspiring essay stood out among hundreds of entries in the Wheeling area, earning her top honors. She earned a $500 investment into a SMART529 college savings account to support her future education. Additionally, Glen Dale Elementary School also received a $500 cash award to support classroom resources, thanks to Gabby’s winning essay.
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 at the state Culture Center in Charleston in September. Each winner’s school will also receive
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.