CLARKSBURG -- State Treasurer John Perdue honored Johnson Elementary School student Megan Murray and Simpson Elementary student Jacob Love Monday, for being among 15 winners in the “When I Grow Up. . .” essay contest.

Murray and Love have already received $500 for winning their regional age group, to be put toward a SMART529 college savings account.

“We’re thrilled to present this seed money for a SMART529 savings plan to Megan and Jacob and their parents,” Treasurer Perdue said. “As I’ve said many times, nothing opens the doors of opportunity like education.”

The contest, run by the Treasurer’s Office and The Hartford Financial Co., drew 1,800 entrants from across the state. Murray, a second grader, won in her region’s age category for writing about her plans to be an entomologist. “Most girls think bugs are icky but not me,” Murray said.

Love, a fifth-grader, won his age group region for his essay on geology. He wants to “get to be people’s bosses and construct businesses.”

Also receiving $500 from The Hartford were Principal Dennis Stromberg from Johnson Elementary and Principal Loria Reid from Simpson. Harrison County Superintendent Susan Collins also attended. The Hartford administers the state’s SMART529 college savings program.

To read both children’s full essays, go to www.wvtreasury.com and scroll down to the contest winners.

2-2-09