We are excited to see how students answer this question! In the past we have asked them to describe a profession of interest to them and how they would prepare for it, and to describe someone they admire who went to college and how it helped the person succeed. This year's topic will require the students to take a look at the world around them and decide how they can improve it.

Entries for the essay contest must be postmarked by Sept. 26, 2008 to be considered by the panel of judges. One winner and one runner-up will be chosen from each grade to win a $1,000 or $500 Learning Quest college savings account. In addition, each winner will receive a celebration party for their classmates. Plus each teacher has submitted entries will have their name included in a drawing for $500 worth of classroom supplies. Winners will be announced in November.

Information was recently distributed to Kansas teachers. Homeschoolers and parents, who would like their 7th and 8th grade children to participate even if their classroom teachers are not, may individually submit essays written by their children. Visit www.learningquest.com/essay to download the necessary documents.

Since its debut in 2000, the Kansas 529 Postsecondary Education Savings Program has grown to over $2 billion in assets and more than 119,000 accounts. I encourage you to take a look at the program, if you haven't done so already. Investors can enjoy the benefit of tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified expenses. Kansas taxpayers can receive a state adjusted gross income deduction of up to $3,000 per child ($6,000 if married, filing jointly) on contributions to their 529 education savings account.

More information about Learning Quest can be found at www.learningquest.com, by calling 1-877-345-8837 or by visiting your financial advisor.

Each year we look forward to reading the essays and are always impressed with the material we receive. We can't wait to see what the seventh and eighth grader come up with this year!