Nest and Storm Chasers Announce Annual Writing Sweepstakes

PAPILLION, NE – Today, the Omaha Storm Chasers and Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese announced the 22nd annual “Why I Want to Go to College” writing sweepstakes, with entries due Monday, March 11, 2024.

Seventh and eighth grade students are asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education. Entries are limited to 750 words and should be sent to Aniya Tate, Omaha Storm Chasers, 12356 Ballpark Way, Papillion, NE 68046.

Information about the writing sweepstakes is available on the Treasurer’s website at www.treasurer.nebraska.gov/csp/.

Prizes will be awarded to 12 winners in seventh and eighth grades who will receive contributions to the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (NEST) college savings accounts – including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place. Three winners will be chosen from each of Nebraska’s three Congressional districts, and three winners will be chosen from outside Nebraska. Winners will be notified in late March.

Each Nebraska winner will receive four tickets to the April 28th Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion where they will be recognized during a brief ceremony before the game.

“I’m very excited to kick off this wonderful event. Students will have the opportunity to share their hopes and triumphs while looking forward to the future. Whether from public, private or home school learning environments, we should do everything we can to encourage students who want to continue their educational pursuits. I’m looking forward to meeting the winners and their families at Werner Park in April,” Treasurer Briese said.

Families can save for college for their children and grandchildren through NEST 529, the state-sponsored 529 college savings program that allows for tax-free investments and tax-free qualified withdrawals. Nebraska account owners can qualify for up to $10,000 a year in state income tax deductions ($5,000 if married filing separately).

About NEST 529

NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank & Trust serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 294,000 accounts, including over 95,000 Nebraskans. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank & Trust

Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank & Trust offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $6.6 billion and trust assets of $46.9 billion as of December 31, 2021. Voters have chosen Union Bank & Trust as Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for ten years running.

About Omaha Storm Chasers

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska. Omaha has served as Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate since 1969, the third-longest active affiliation in Minor League Baseball and the club has sent over 330 players to play for various Major League teams since its inception. For more information, including tickets, promotions, stats, news and more, visit omahastormchasers.com, and follow the team on X @omastormchasers, on Instagram @omahastormchasers, and “like” the team on Facebook at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value

* Except the Bank Savings Investment Option