Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced the overall winners of the financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance.  

Earlier this year, the Department granted $10,000 each to three organizations for a financial literacy essay contest. Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas, Junior Achievement of Kansas, and the Kansas Council for Economic Education each entered a selection of essays from Kansas students who participated in their financial literacy programs offered in over 200 high schools across the state. 

The students with the top three essays from each organization were awarded a share of $10,000 in scholarships. The first-place essay from each organization then advanced to compete for an overall contest winner, and a share of an additional $10,000.  

The contest finalists and their awards are: 1st Place, $5,000 – Anusha Chaturvedi, Olathe North High School (KCEE) 2nd Place, $3,000 – Joel Umana Jimenez, Newton High School (JAG-K) 3rd Place, $2,000 – Cora Genovese, Washburn Rural High School (Junior Achievement)

“This year’s winners showed strong understanding of investment fraud red flags and what steps to take to stop scammers,” said Schmidt. “Congratulations to all the winners this year, and I encourage them to use what they have learned to help others.”  

The winning students receive their scholarships in addition to the $5,000 scholarship they won in the first round of the contest. The students receive the award money in the form of a 529 savings account to use for the advancement of their education. 

Previously announced winners from each participating organization can be found online at <a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/news/">insurance.kansas.gov/news</a>. For more information about the Kansas Insurance Department or to learn more about making smart investment decisions, visit i<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">nsurance.kansas.gov</a> and <a href="http://SmartInvestKS.com">SmartInvestKS.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647376123800.png" alt="Kansas Insurance Department logo.PNG" />
 <figcaption>Kansas Insurance Department logo.PNG</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka, Kan. – Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, announced the overall winners of the financial literacy essay contest sponsored by the Securities Division of the Kansas Department of Insurance. Earlier this year, the Department granted $10,000 each to three organizations for a financial literacy essay contest. Jobs for America’s Graduates Kansas, Junior Achievement of Kansas, and the Kansas Council for Economic Education each entered a selection of essays from Kansas students who participated in their financial literacy programs offered in over 200 high schools across the state. The students with the top three essays from each organization were awarded a share of $10,000 in scholarships. The first-place essay from each organization then advanced to compete for an overall contest winner, and a share of an additional $10,000. The contest finalists and their awards are: 1st Place, $5,000 – Anusha Chaturvedi, Olathe North High School (KCEE) 2nd Place, $3,000 – Joel Umana Jimenez, Newton High School (JAG-K) 3rd Place, $2,000 – Cora Genovese, Washburn Rural High School (Junior Achievement) <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746273125096.jpeg" alt="Joel Umana Jimenez - Courtesy USD 373 Newton" />
 <figcaption>Joel Umana Jimenez - Courtesy USD 373 Newton</figcaption>
 </figure>“This year’s winners showed strong understanding of investment fraud red flags and what steps to take to stop scammers,” said Schmidt. “Congratulations to all the winners this year, and I encourage them to use what they have learned to help others.” The winning students receive their scholarships in addition to the $5,000 scholarship they won in the first round of the contest. The students receive the award money in the form of a 529 savings account to use for the advancement of their education. Previously announced winners from each participating organization can be found online at <a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/news/">insurance.kansas.gov/news</a>. For more information about the Kansas Insurance Department or to learn more about making smart investment decisions, visit i<a href="https://insurance.kansas.gov/">nsurance.kansas.gov</a> and <a href="http://SmartInvestKS.com">SmartInvestKS.com</a>.

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt awards financial literacy scholarships

NEWTON, Kan. — USD 373 has launched a Facilities Master Planning project in collaboration with RSP, a Kansas-based firm known for its expertise in school and community planning. The initiative aims to develop a long-term strategy for the district’s facilities by engaging a diverse group of stakeholders and analyzing key data.

Since November 2024, the district’s planning group—composed of community members, educators and other stakeholders—has met monthly to evaluate current facility conditions, enrollment trends and educational needs. Their work is intended to provide the Board of Education with data-driven recommendations for the future of USD 373’s facilities.

Community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming engagement session to learn more about the group’s findings and offer feedback. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Chisholm Middle School.

For those unable to attend in person, the district will launch an online Social PinPoint survey the evening of May 14. The survey will remain open through May 28, allowing the broader community to share their perspectives and help shape the district’s next steps.

For more information, visit the USD 373 website or contact the district office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746137233865.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>USD 373 COMMUNICATIONSNEWTON, Kan. — USD 373 has launched a Facilities Master Planning project in collaboration with RSP, a Kansas-based firm known for its expertise in school and community planning. The initiative aims to develop a long-term strategy for the district’s facilities by engaging a diverse group of stakeholders and analyzing key data.Since November 2024, the district’s planning group—composed of community members, educators and other stakeholders—has met monthly to evaluate current facility conditions, enrollment trends and educational needs. Their work is intended to provide the Board of Education with data-driven recommendations for the future of USD 373’s facilities.Community members are encouraged to attend an upcoming engagement session to learn more about the group’s findings and offer feedback. The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, at Chisholm Middle School.For those unable to attend in person, the district will launch an online Social PinPoint survey the evening of May 14. The survey will remain open through May 28, allowing the broader community to share their perspectives and help shape the district’s next steps.For more information, visit the USD 373 website or contact the district office.

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