2011 CHET Dream Big! Competition Winners Announced by State Treasurer Nappier

HARTFORD, Conn., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier proudly announced the winners of the 2011 CHET Dream Big! Competition.  The CHET Dream Big! Competition is a drawing and essay contest for students in grades Kindergarten (K) through five (5). Treasurer Nappier, who serves as trustee for CHET, hosted an official awards ceremony on May 18, 2011, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.

Treasurer Nappier congratulated all of the winners at the awards ceremony.  "I am so impressed by all the amazing entries we received this year, and by every student who is already  dreaming big about how they will change the world after college," said Treasurer Nappier, "This year we received entries from more than 50 percent of the towns in Connecticut, up from 30 percent in 2010. This means more and more Connecticut families are learning that the CHET direct-sold plan can help them reach their future higher education goals."

The CHET Dream Big! Competition ran from February 7, 2011 through April 4, 2011 and generated more than 2,000 drawings and creative essays from students across the state.  The contest challenged students to imagine what they could accomplish with a college education, while motivating families to think about saving for college to support their children's dreams. The winning entries of the 86 County winners and 43 Merit winners are currently on display at http://www.chetdreambig.com.

The luminaries of the evening clearly were the students.  Children in the Grades K  and 1 and the Grades 2 and 3 categories were asked to draw a picture that answers the question, "What do I want to do after I go to college?"  Students in the Grades 4 and 5 category were asked to write an essay explaining, "How will I change the world after I go to college?"

A panel of judges including volunteers from the Treasurer's Office, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and local professionals selected the competition winners.

Prizes were awarded during the official awards ceremony.  The parents or guardians of the county winners received a $250 CHET direct-sold 529 account and the parents or guardians of the merit winners received a $50 CHET direct-sold 529 account.  In addition, the top ten teachers whose students submitted the most entries were awarded a $50 prize check that can be used for school supplies.

Tina Martin of WFSB Channel 3 was an enthusiastic emcee for the event.  

About CHET

The CHET 529 direct-sold college savings plan, a tax advantaged investment program, was established in 1997 and, as of March 31, 2011, has grown to more than $1.5 billion in assets and more than 100,000 individual accounts.  Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier serves as Trustee of CHET and administers the plan.  For more information about CHET, visit www.aboutchet.com, or call the customer service center at 866-314-3939.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET). Please visit www.aboutchet.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this information and other information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a CHET direct-sold 529 college savings plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in the state's 529 plan.

Account value in the Investment Options is not guaranteed and will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

For official contest rules and more information, please call (860) 305-4605 or visit www.chetdreambig.com.  The CHET Dream Big! Competition is sponsored by the State of Connecticut Treasurer's Office, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and CHET.

SOURCE Connecticut State Treasurer's Office