GILA VALLEY — Two bright young students from Graham and Greenlee counties have been recognized statewide for sharing their big career aspirations in the 7th annual AZ529 “Dream, Write, Win” Essay Contest.
The Arizona State Treasurer’s Office, in partnership with AZ529 (Arizona’s Education Savings Plan), challenged fifth- and sixth-graders statewide with the prompt: “What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it in the future?”
Out of more than 400 entries submitted statewide, 20 winners were selected. Each winner receives a $529 award toward opening a new or existing AZ529 Education Savings Plan. The winners were honored during a special ceremony at the Arizona State Capitol on Tuesday, November 10.
Graham County Winner: Hannah Huish, Thatcher Elementary
Representing Graham County is Hannah Huish, a fifth-grader at Thatcher Elementary School, who wrote about her heartfelt aspiration to become a veterinarian.
Inspired by her two cats and a hamster, Huish detailed her plan to achieve her goal by focusing on her education—particularly in math and science, which are vital for understanding animal medicine. She also emphasized the importance of patience, kindness, and hard work.
“One reason I want to become a veterinarian is because I have always loved animals,” Huish wrote in her winning essay. “I know it will take hard work to reach my goal, but I know if I stay focused I can achieve it. … When I finish high school I will need to go to college to learn more about animals and medicine. … I hope that one day I can proudly say that I am a veterinarian.”
Greenlee County Winner: Paul Provencio, Fairbanks Middle School
Representing Greenlee County is Paul Provencio, a fifth-grader at Fairbanks Middle School, who set his sights on the silver screen with an essay detailing his dream of becoming an actor.
Provencio broke down his roadmap to success into practical steps, highlighting the value of practice, education, and what he calls the “Three C’s”—Character, Choice, and Commitment (which he expands into confidence, concentration, and control).
“Do you want to be an actor? My dream job is to be an actor,” Provencio wrote. “My three steps to becoming an actor is practice because practice makes progress, you need to get an education to at least go to college and theater, and last is the three C’s… Now you know some important steps about my dream job. Now you can see my dream job, are you ready to see me accomplish my GOAL!”
Statewide Impact
The AZ529 contest selects one winner from each of Arizona’s 15 counties, along with representatives from various school types, with additional winners from Maricopa and Pima counties due to their larger populations. The program aims to encourage young students to think about their futures while helping families start saving for higher education.
