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Due to school closings and the current pandemic, notification of winners has been delayed. All winners will be notified by May 1 and the full list of winners will be posted shortly thereafter. Thank you for your patience.

Better Future Fund

Today, Fifth Grade - Tomorrow, the World!

Better Future Fund logo

Fifth grader, you are tomorrow’s leader. The education you’re receiving now and in the future is an investment in yourself and gives you tools to make better decisions, solve problems and improve your life and others. Once you’ve graduated from high school, you can gain additional skills or training through higher education.

How will you better your community by attending a college, university or training program?

Your answer could win you one of FIVE college savings accounts from Virginia529 to help fund your future education. You will join the other winners in being recognized on stage at Richmond Raceway. Your winning essay also comes with an award and Papa John’s pizza for your school’s 5th grade graduation ceremony.

Enter by March 1, 2020 for your chance to win!

Student Awards

Fifth grade students at eligible public schools enter by submitting a short essay describing how he or she will help improve our community. Applications will be reviewed by staff at WRIC-TV, with winners selected based on the best answers to the essay question.

Grand Prize (5 winners):

$2000 Virginia529 account

Family pack of tickets to Spring NASCAR race at Richmond Raceway

Papa John's Pizza for themselves & their class

Congratulations to the Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the 2019-2020 Better Future Fund essay contest. We loved reading your educational plans and the inspiring ways you’ll better your community. With these strong plans in action, the future looks bright!

Winners:

Khiarae F.
John B. Cary Elementary School

Tanner A.
Salem Church Elementary School

Clara S.
Kaechele Elementary School

Joshua F.
Jackson Davis Elementary School

Hanmi A.
J. G. Hening Elementary School

Special congratulations to Sandra Lee from Elizabeth Redd Elementary School for winning the teacher prize of a $500 gift card for the highest participation rate among her classroom.

School Awards

The school or PTA of each student winner

Grand prize winners’ schools:

$1000 award toward 5th grade graduation ceremonies

Papa John’s pizza pack

Teacher Prize:

$500 gift card for the teacher with the highest class entry rate