Briese Announces ‘Why I Want to Go to College’ Winners

(Lincoln, NE) Today, Nebraska Treasurer Tom Briese announced the winners in the 2025 “Why I Want to Go to College” sweepstakes, sponsored jointly by the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office and the Omaha Storm Chasers. The winners will be recognized before the beginning of the May 18th Omaha Storm Chasers game at Werner Park in Papillion.

“I’m proud of each and every one of our winners and of all the kids who took the time to detail why they want to go to college. Having a strong educational foundation – whether in college or vocational education – is more important than ever,” said Treasurer Briese, Trustee of NEST. “I’m looking forward to celebrating with these students and their families at the ballpark.

“Enthusiasm for higher education is contagious and I want to thank the educators and parents who also deserve recognition. Encouraging students to think about the future can have a tremendous impact on young lives, and those folks who are working to help the next generation also deserve praise,” Briese said.

Winners receive contributions to NEST 529 college savings plans, ranging in value from $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $500 for third place.

Three winners were chosen in each of Nebraska’s three U.S. congressional districts. Three winners from outside Nebraska were also chosen.

Students were asked to reflect on the value of education and what they hope to achieve through higher education. Winners of the 2025 contest and their hometowns are listed below:

1st Congressional District – Nebraska
First:                Marian Perez Suchite, Lincoln
Second:           Hudson Corder, Schuyler
Third:              Addison Zupancic, Lincoln

2nd Congressional District – Nebraska
First:                Jack Schaefer, Elkhorn
Second:           Alexander Beavers, Omaha
Third:              Hailey Hanson, Omaha

3rd Congressional District – Nebraska
First:                Rylee Amen, Grand Island
Second:           Ali Wondercheck, Atkinson
Third:              Bentley Beilke, Giltner

Out of State
First:                Elijah Berney, Shreveport, LA
Second:           Isabella Gomez, Ridgefield Park, NJ
Third:              Micah Beardsley, Harrison, TN

About the Omaha Storm Chasers

The Omaha Storm Chasers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at Werner Park in Papillion, Nebraska. Omaha has served as Kansas City’s Triple-A affiliate since 1969, the third-longest active affiliation in Minor League Baseball and the club has sent over 330 players to play for various Major League teams since its inception. For more information, including tickets, promotions, stats, news and more, visit omahastormchasers.com, and follow the team on X @omastormchasers, on Instagram @omahastormchasers, and “like” the team on Facebook at facebook.com/omahastormchasers.

About NEST 529  

NEST 529 is a tax-advantaged 529 college savings plan and provides four plans to help make saving for college simple and affordable: NEST Direct College Savings Plan, NEST Advisor College Savings Plan, Bloomwell 529 Education Savings Plan, and State Farm 529 Savings Plan. The Nebraska State Treasurer serves as Program Trustee. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as Program Manager, and all investments are approved by the Nebraska Investment Council. Families nationwide are saving for college using Nebraska’s 529 College Savings Plans, which have more than 300,000 accounts, including over 100,000 Nebraskans. Visit NEST529.com and treasurer.nebraska.gov for more information.

About Union Bank & Trust  

Founded in 1917 with over 50 years of family ownership, Union Bank and Trust Company offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $8.7 billion and trust assets of $40.0 billion as of December 31, 2024. Voters have chosen Union Bank and Trust Company as Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Work Environment, and Best Financial Planner in Lincoln for fourteen years running.  

Investments Are Not FDIC Insured* · No Bank, State or Federal Guarantee · May Lose Value
*Except the Bank Savings Underlying Investment