Reading Makes Cent$ for Virginia Students and Schools

RICHMOND, VA--(Marketwired - June 04, 2015) - Virginia529 College Savings Plan (Virginia529) and the Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE) announce the winners in the inaugural Reading Makes Cent$ financial literacy program.

As participants in Reading Makes Cent$, librarians at 180 elementary schools across Virginia read story books provided by Virginia529 and shared financial literacy concepts through lessons developed by VCEE with their students in kindergarten through third grade. The librarians encouraged the students to complete the program's challenge to read five books and submit a reading log for a chance to win one of fourteen $529 Virginia529 accounts.

From a random drawing of the more than 2,000 student logs submitted, these students won college savings accounts:

• Alek Rodgers, Potomac Elementary School, King George
• Amaddy Mazheyko, Cub Run Elementary School, Rockingham
• Audrey Orr, Rhea Valley Elementary School, Washington
• Brayden Burns, Colonial Elementary School, Botetourt
• Camden Ashley, Kenbridge Elementary School, Lunenburg
• Christian Sedjro, Woodley Hills Elementary School, Fairfax
• Cynthia Pierce, Potomac Elementary School, King George
• DeAvieyan Page, Clays Mill Elementary School, Halifax
• Hannah Paige, Linkhorne Elementary School, Lynchburg
• Maeva Picken, Princess Anne Elementary School, Virginia Beach
• Morgan Widener, Rhea Valley Elementary School, Washington
• Patrick Manetto, St. Joseph School, Herndon
• River Zoldan, Princess Anne Elementary School, Virginia Beach
• Tucker Trout, South River Elementary School, Rockingham

All participating librarians received three books to add to their school's library. Seven schools with the highest participation by region in the reading challenge won additional books valued at $500. The regional winners were:

• Beth Yelverton, Ottobine Elementary School, Rockingham County Public Schools
• Heather Wehmeyer, Pearl Sample Elementary School, Culpeper County Public Schools
• Jamie Westbay, L.L. Beazley Elementary School, Prince George County Public Schools
• Jennifer Johnson, Rhea Valley Elementary School, Washington County Public Schools
• Leslie Allman, Princess Anne Elementary School, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
• Margaret Clark, Potomac Elementary School, King George County Schools
• Rebecca Rainey, Belview Elementary School, Montgomery County Public Schools

With input from the Virginia Association of School Librarians, Virginia529 and VCEE are planning next year's Reading Makes Cent$ challenge, adding new books and age-appropriate activities for students to learn about personal finance. Virginia elementary schools interested in earning free books for their libraries can find program information at Virginia529.com/readingmakescents/.

About Virginia529 College Savings Plan:
Virginia529 is a 529 college savings plan that offers flexible, affordable, tax-advantaged savings for qualified higher education expenses through its four programs: Virginia529 prePAID℠ (prePAID℠), Virginia529 inVEST℠ (inVEST℠), CollegeAmerica® and CollegeWealth®. More than $54 billion in assets under management and 2.4 million accounts as of March 31, 2015 make Virginia529 the largest 529 plan available. For more information on Virginia529's college savings options, visit Virginia529.com or call 1-888-567-0540 to obtain program materials. These include information on Virginia529 programs, investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses and other important information; read and consider them carefully before investing. All investments are subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Virginia529 encourages prospective participants to seek the advice of a professional concerning any financial, tax or legal implications related to opening an account. For residents of states other than Virginia: your state or the beneficiary's state of residence (if different) may sponsor a 529 plan that offers state income tax and other benefits not available to you through Virginia529 College Savings Plan. ©2015 Virginia College Savings Plan. All Rights Reserved.

About Virginia Council on Economic Education:
VCEE, a nonprofit organization, provides Virginia's K-12 students with the economic knowledge and financial skills needed to thrive in our dynamic economy. By providing quality training and up-to-date resources, VCEE partners with teachers and school divisions to help students develop decision-making skills needed to be informed consumers, productive employees or innovative entrepreneurs, thoughtful investors, and reasoned voters. Visit www.vcee.org or contact VCEE or one of its affiliated university-based centers for economic education to learn about specific opportunities.

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