Local eight-grader wins second place in state treasurer’s contest

In his essay, Isaac described his three reasons for wanting to attend college: “My desire to learn, to become involved and develop my interests, and to become a more independent person.”

Murante said despite challenges facing students, the essay contest allows those “in public, private and home school environments to focus on the positives – their goals for life and the importance of saving for their future education.”

“Efforts like this not only provides an additional chance for students to sharpen their writing skills, but it makes it more likely every Nebraskan has the opportunity graduate vocational training or a higher educational institution debt-free,” Murante said.

Winners of the 2021 contest and their hometowns are listed below:

Nebraska’s First Congressional District

First Place: Madison Johnson, Waverly.

Second Place: Lilian (Lily) Crandall-Peterson, Lincoln

Third Place: Addison Williams, Lincoln

Nebraska’s Second Congressional District

First Place: Cooper Mroczek, Elkhorn.

Second Place: Isaac Smith, Papillion.

Third Place: Brett Vance, Elkhorn.