CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A student from Cabell County was announced as the grand prize winner for the 2025 SMART529 ‘When I Grow Up’ essay contest during a special recognition ceremony Friday at the Culture Center in Charleston.

Cora Neace, a first-grade student at Ona Elementary School, won the $5,000 grand prize. The contest requires the students to submit, in 200 words or less, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Entries were judged on originality, creativity, and the importance of post-secondary education.

Neace was one of the 15 regional winners, and was randomly selected as the winner during the ceremony. She wrote about her dream of becoming a veterinarian.

“The When I Grow Up essay contest allows children to get together with their parents to talk about thei

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