The Nevada Treasury honored the winners of its fourth annual “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up” art contest during a private reception at The Windmill Library on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Among those who placed, was Carson Montessori sixth grader Emery Adams, age 12.

The contest was open to pre-K to 12th grade students in Nevada, from August 12 to October 13, encouraging all to use their artistic talents to create original artwork depicting what they want to be when they grow up. Attendees enjoyed the gallery of award-winning artwork from students across the state. 

During the ceremony, first, second and third place winners from all grade levels were recognized for their outstanding work by Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine and Nevada State Deputy Treasurer of College Savings Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman. First place winners were awarded $1,000, second place winners were awarded $500, and third place winners were awarded $250. All prize money was awarded in the form of a 529 college savings account. In addition to the students’ awards, Leah R. from Aldeane Comito Ries Elementary School was also recognized as the teacher with the most art contest submissions.

“We would like to thank the winners and all who participated in this year’s Art Contest as well as the parents and educators who supported them along the way. We are proud to play a role in supporting their post-secondary education, as these young artists received contributions to their 529 college savings plans,” said Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman, Deputy Treasurer of College Savings at the Nevada Treasury. “We look forward to hosting another contest filled with inspiration and imagination next year.”

Students’ artwork is currently on display now through Feb. 18 and can be viewed online at https://nvigate.gov/2024-college-savings-art-contest-winners/. 

The full list of winners is as follows:

  • Pre-K
    • 1st Place Winner: Jiyang L., The Goddard School of South Reno
    • 2nd Place Winner: Mukund G., Montessori Visions Academy – Sunset
    • 3rd Place Winner: Zoey R., The Goddard School of Las Vegas
  • Kindergarten
    • 1st Place Winner: Bryce M., Coral Academy of Science – Tamarus
    • 2nd Place Winner: Chenyue M., Noble Collegiate Academy
    • 3rd Place Winner: Amber Q., Noble Collegiate Academy – Bilingual School
  • 1st Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Kailee G., Coral Academy of Science – Reno South
    • 2nd Place Winner: Star M-O., Rex Bell Elementary School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Zoey W., Mark Fine Elementary School
  • 2nd Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Charlotte H., Las Vegas Day School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Isaiah H., Van Gorder Elementary School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Kyle L., Judith Steele Elementary School
  • 3rd Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Arianna J., Doral Academy Red Rock Elementary School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Juliette L., Homeschooled
    • 3rd Place Winner: Annie G, Tony Alamo Elementary School
  • 4th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Roy Y., Aldeane Comito Ries Elementary School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Subin C., Robert & Sandy Ellis Elementary School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Madison E., Pinecrest Academy – Springs
  • 5th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Issac P., Coral Academy of Science – Windmill
    • 2nd Place Winner: Ethan, Fernley Intermediate School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Hudson M., Coral Academy – Eastgate
  • 6th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Daniel J., Bob Miller Middle School 
    • 2nd Place Winner: Shanelle C., Carroll Johnston STEM Academy
    • 3rd Place Winner: Emery Adams, Carson Montessori School
  • 7th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Na Youn H., Hyde Park Middle School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Charles K., Challenger School – Lone Mountain 
    • 3rd Place Winner: Lillian C., Cornerstone Christian Academy
  • 8th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Chloe J., Doral Academy Red Rock Middle School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Justin J., Coral Academy of Science – Sandy Ridge
    • 3rd Place Winner: Aezabelle E., Nevada Learning Academy
  • 9th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Jeanne C., Odyssey Charter School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Kaia L., Palo Verde High School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Jake H., Las Vegas Academy of Arts
  • 10th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: Anastasia T., Sage Ridge School
    • 2nd Place Winner: Shealyn T., Reno High School
    • 3rd Place Winner: Xingyue L., West Career and Technical Academy
  • 11th Grade 
    • 1st Place Winner: Mya A., Nevada State High School – Henderson
    • 2nd Place Winner: Jason K., Ed. W. Clark High School 
    • 3rd Place Winner: Jacob G., Cheyenne High School 
  • 12th Grade
    • 1st Place Winner: McKenna C., Academy of Arts, Careers, and Technology
    • 2nd Place Winner: Jamileth D-H., College of Southern Nevada High School – West
    • 3rd Place Winner: Jeremy F., Boulder City High School 
  • Madilyn Pearson Memorial Scholarship Winner
    • Grace T., Grade 7, Sparks, NV 

For more information on 529 college savings plans, please visit https://nvigate.gov/programs/nevadas-529-plans/.  

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About the Nevada Treasury

The Nevada Treasury is responsible for several critical State functions, including State banking, and transaction management; investment and debt portfolio management; collecting and returning unclaimed property; and administering a number of college savings and scholarship programs. The State Treasurer is elected by the people to a four-year term. Zach Conine is the current State Treasurer. For questions or more information, please call 702-486-6980 or email collegesavings@nevadatreasurer.gov.