Gila County Student Wins AZ529 Essay Contest

Pine fifth-grader Elliana Doerneman is Gila County's winner in the 7th annual AZ529 Dream, Write, Win Essay Contest.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Financial Aid

Gila County Student Wins AZ529 Essay Contest

Elliana Doerneman, a fifth-grade homeschool student from Pine, was selected as Gila County's winner in the 7th annual AZ529 Dream, Write, Win Essay Contest. She is one of 20 students chosen statewide from more than 400 entries.

Why it matters

The contest encourages Arizona students to think about future careers and plan for their education. Each winner receives $529 toward opening or contributing to an AZ529 Education Savings Plan, giving families in Arizona a concrete financial incentive to start saving for college or training.

Each winner receives $529 toward opening or contributing to an AZ529 Education Savings Plan. Winners were drawn from more than 400 statewide entries, with one winner from each of Arizona's 15 counties.

The players

AZ529

AZ529 is Arizona's 529 college savings program, which co-sponsors the Dream, Write, Win Essay Contest and offers education savings plans to families across the state.

Arizona State Treasurer's Office

The Arizona State Treasurer's Office is the state agency that co-organizes the Dream, Write, Win Essay Contest with AZ529.

The details

Arizona fifth- and sixth-grade students answered the prompt 'What is your dream job and how do you plan on achieving it in the future?' Elliana Doerneman's winning essay is titled 'My Dream Dog School.' The contest is organized by the Arizona State Treasurer's Office and AZ529.

Winners will be recognized at a ceremony at the Arizona State Capitol on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The AZ529 Education Savings Plan is Arizona's state-sponsored 529 college savings vehicle, and this contest extends its outreach to fifth- and sixth-grade students. Awarding $529 per winner ties a youth creative competition directly to long-term family education savings.

Families with students in Arizona can use AZ529 education savings plans to start building funds for future schooling, and the $529 award shows how even a modest contribution can begin an account. Parents interested in opening a plan can explore AZ529 options directly through the state program.

The takeaway

Starting a dedicated education savings account early gives young students a head start on future training and college costs. Even small contributions, like a $529 award, can grow into meaningful support over time.