San Tan Valley Student Wins Prestigious AZ529 Essay Contest

A remarkable young scholar from San Tan Valley, Angelus Hudgens, has been announced as one of the esteemed winners of the AZ529 "Dream. Write. Win" 2023 Essay Writing Contest. Angelus, who aspires to become a comedian, was selected from a pool of nearly 900 entries from across the state.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11 a.m. MST at the Arizona Executive Tower's 2nd floor Conference Room, located at 1700 West Washington Street in Phoenix. State Treasurer Kimberly Yee honored Angelus, along with the other winners, by presenting them with a substantial $529 check. This sum will be credited towards an AZ529 Education Savings Plan, aimed at supporting their future educational pursuits.

The AZ529 contest, which saw a notable increase in participation this year, from over 600 entries last year to 886 this year, invited fifth and sixth graders from all corners of Arizona, including district, charter, private, tribal, and homeschools, to share their dream professions and elucidate how they plan to achieve these dreams in a succinct three-paragraph essay.

The $529 prize amount holds special significance, mirroring Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which led to the creation of the AZ529 plan. AZ529, Arizona's state-endorsed education savings plan, offers a platform where investments for education mature tax-free. The funds accrued can be used for a myriad of educational expenses including tuition for colleges, community colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and private K-12 education.

Friends, family, educators, and well-wishers from San Tan Valley and beyond were invited to join the ceremony. 

For individuals keen on investing in the future of Arizona's youth, the AZ529 plan offers a state tax deduction, with details and more information available at [http://www.az529.gov](http://www.az529.gov).

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of Angelus Hudgens and all our young Arizonian scholars as they take commendable steps toward realizing their dreams.

Read Angelus's essay below 🔽