Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announces Junior Achievement of Kansas students receive financial literacy scholarships

Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt announces Junior Achievement of Kansas
students receive financial literacy scholarships

Topeka, Kan. - Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced three participants in Junior Achievement of Kansas(JA) programs as winners of a financial literacy essay scholarship contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.

The Department granted $10,000 to JA designated for a financial literacy essay contest in which the top three JA student essays split a share of the grant in scholarship funds.

The scholarship winners are:

1^st Place, $5,000 - Linzy Tumey, Hope Street

2^nd Place, $3,000 - Navaeh Atkins, Highland Park

3^rd Place, $2,000 - Keegan Knudtson, Washburn Rural

"We're proud to recognize students who are already thinking critically about money management and consumer protection," said Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. "These essays highlight that Junior Achievement students are developing practical skills that will empower them to make sound financial decisions and support lifelong financial well-being."

"Skills to Achieve is about meeting students where they are and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed in the real world. Students explore career pathways, practice essential life skills, and build confidence in their futures," said Sarah Dunekack, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Kansas. "We're proud to partner with the Kansas Department of Insurance to support this work and to celebrate students who are already thinking critically about their financial futures through the scholarship essay challenge."

The first-place essay will join two other winners from the Kansas Council for Economic Education and Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas to compete for the overall winner of the essay contest and an additional scholarship of $5,000.