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WAR, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack on Wednesday joined U.S. Senator Jim Justice to celebrate the start of National Financial Literacy Month and to present a Get a Life Community Volunteer Award to Sarah Muncy, Communities in Schools Coordinator, during a financial education budget activity for students at Southside K-8 School in McDowell County. “I am proud to present this Community Volunteer Award to Sarah Muncy who worked closely with my Office for years to bring our Get a Life program to McDowell County,” Treasurer Pack said. “I want to thank Senator Justice for expanding the Communities in Schools initiative to all 55 West Virginia counties when he was Governor. This is an important program that is meant to help children statewide achieve goals in school, in the workforce, and in life with the proper resources. Financial literacy is a vital skill, and I want all West Virginia students to have the opportunity to learn how to make good financial decisions at an early age.” Treasurer Pack, alongside Senator Justice, presented the award to Muncy, a longtime volunteer of the Get a Life Program, during Wednesday afternoon’s Get a Life event in War. The elected officials spoke to a nice crowd in McDowell County. “It’s a great day at Southside K-8 with my good friend Treasurer Pack,” Senator Justice said. “Today, we’re carrying on a mission that’s close to our hearts, and that’s being there for our kids and ensuring they have every tool for success. Now, the really special part is honoring Sarah Muncy with a Community Volunteer Award. Communities in Schools has been a massive success for West Virginia, and it’s because of folks like Sarah. She is absolutely doing the Lord’s work, and I thank her in every single way.” In the Get a Life program, middle school students are given a realistic family budget and must visit various business stations and manage an expense ledger. The program teaches both basic math skills and problem-solving techniques. “I’m grateful to receive the Volunteer Award—it means a lot to be recognized, but more than anything it reflects something I truly enjoy doing,” Muncy said. “I like being able to help where I can and be part of something positive. I also enjoy the Get a Life program because it gives me the opportunity to connect with others and help our students learn about real-life scenarios, so they feel more prepared and confident in the world around them. Thank you to Treasurer Pack, Senator Justice, and Baby Dog for being here and for presenting me with this award—it truly means a lot.” Last year, Treasurer Pack announced the Get a Life redesign that now includes a modern look with vibrant colors, coordinating images, and updated budgeting information. The Treasurer’s financial education staff visits more than 140 middle schools and reaches more than 16,000 students annually. Since it was created in 2008, Get a Life has helped tens of thousands of middle school students. For more information on Get a Life and other educational resources available through the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office, visit www.WVTreasury.gov/Citizens/Financial-Education. Read the full article

Statewide Teacher, 15 Regional Students Also Recognized at Culture Center Ceremony CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State Treasurer Larry Pack today named Noah Yearout, a fifth-grade student at Hope Grove Home School in Mercer County, this year’s $5,000 Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 SMART529 “When I Grow Up” essay contest during a special recognition ceremony Monday at the Culture Center in Charleston. The annual essay contest’s 15 regional student winners along with their families attended Monday’s awards ceremony to be recognized and read their winning essays. Noah was one of 15 regional winners of the essay contest and was randomly selected as the grand prize winner during the awards ceremony. In his essay, he wrote about his dream of growing up to become an IT Specialist. “The When I Grow Up essay contest allows children to get together with their parents to talk about their future career goals and aspirations. The contest inspires them to start preparing to achieve those dreams,” Treasurer Pack said. “I want to congratulate all of these students for sharing what they want to become when they grow up.” This is the 19th year for the annual When I Grow Up essay contest. Students were required to submit, in 200 words or less, an essay that explains what they want to be when they grow up. Entries were judged on originality, creativity, and the importance of post-secondary education. This year, nearly 2,000 West Virginia students submitted essays as part of the contest. Essays from three age groups (grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-5) were judged in each of the five geographic regions, generating a total of 15 regional winners. Each regional winner received $500 to be invested into a SMART529 account. An additional $4,500 was awarded to the grand prize winner Noah Yearout. Each regional winner’s school will also be awarded a $500 cash prize to support school programs. The winners, their schools (2025-2026 school year) and their dream professions are: 2026 “When I Grow Up” Contest Student Winners Region One:  - Lilly Phipps, Kindergarten at Mountain Valley Elementary in Mercer County – Artist - Jada Harris, 2nd Grade at Crescent Elementary in Raleigh County – Pediatrician  - Noah Yearout, 5th Grade at Hope Grove Home School in Mercer County – IT Specialist Region Two:  - Iris Strader, 1st Grade at Flinn Elementary in Kanawha County – Florist - Chase Behre, 2nd Grade at Montrose Elementary in Kanawha County – Transportation Engineer  - Charleigh Riley, 5th Grade at Belle Elementary in Kanawha County – Fashion Designer Region Three:  - William Lenhart, Kindergarten at Cheat Lake Elementary in Monongalia County – Mechanical Engineer - Rhett Koval, 2nd Grade at St. Francis de Sales Central Catholic School in Monongalia County – Pharmaceutical Scientist - Lydia Wood, 5th Grade at Sweet Woods Academy in Upshur County – Chef Region Four:  - Liam Close, 1st Grade at Beverly Elementary in Randolph County – Farmer  - Shea Kozik, 2nd Grade at Midland Elementary in Randolph County – Nature Scientist   - Alexander Bankhurst, 4th Grade at Shepherdstown Elementary in Jefferson County – Architect Region Five:  - Nora Lynch, 1st Grade at A.T. Wheeling Country Day School in Ohio County – Animal Shelter Vet  - Levi Schumacher, 2nd Grade at AT Allison Elementary in Hancock County – Farmer - Iyla Burke, 4th Grade at Middle Creek Elementary in Ohio County – Pilot The statewide teacher winner was: 2026 ‘When I Grow Up’ Statewide Teacher Winner:  - Mrs. Carly Phillips, Counselor at Elm Grove and Warwood Elementary, Ohio County  SMART529 is a qualified tuition program issued by the Board of Trustees of the West Virginia College and Jumpstart Savings Programs and administered by Hartford Funds. Complete information about SMART529 plans and investment options is available atwww.SMART529.com. Read the full article