Aiden Kilgus dove into reading at the Mary Cheney Library and surfaced with a check for $1,000.00. He was one of four Connecticut children to do so, as part of the “Dive into Saving for College” promotion sponsored by The Connecticut Higher Education Trust, Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., and the Connecticut State Library. The goal was to motivate children to visit their local libraries and read over the summer, and to educate families about the CHET college savings plan. Over 2,000 entries were received; eight children were awarded $50.00 gift cards to either Barnes & Noble or Borders while the four grand prize winners received checks for $1,000.00. Libraries were winners as well; receiving either $50.00 or $500.00 checks for being a winning child’s home library.
The award ceremony was held at the Connecticut State Library in Hartford on Saturday September 25th. The children and their families received presentation checks and were congratulated for their efforts by Kathleen Tunson of TIAA – CREF and Susan Cormier of the State Library.
“Reading books that you love is an important way to prepare for college.” said Cormier. “When you spend time reading, you are better prepared to do your school work, to become a good student, even better prepared to take the SAT’s.”
The ceremony concluded with a magic show and refreshments, followed by the opportunity for family members to talk to CHET staff about the college savings program.
