November 8, 2024
Marshall Elementary fifth-grader Raegyn Youngblood has been named one of the winners of the prestigious AZ529 essay contest. Organized by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee, this statewide competition invited fifth and sixth-grade students to write about their dream jobs and how they plan to achieve them.
Raegyn’s essay stood out among 627 submissions and earned him the title of Coconino County winner. He shared his aspirations of becoming a chef, highlighting the joy of tasting new dishes and the importance of perseverance in reaching his goals.
“The best part about learning is you have to taste your food as you go,” said Raegyn. “I like to taste new dishes.”
Raegyn’s mother, Jody Youngblood, shared the story behind his essay.
“Raegyn came home excited about this contest and kept reminding us to help him submit it,” she said. “We finally sat down, and he poured his heart into it. When we found out he won, he was over the moon!”
Jody recounted their memorable trip to Phoenix, where they attended the award ceremony at the State Capitol.
“He got to meet State Treasurer Kimberly Yee and hold a giant check—something he was really excited about!” said Jody, laughing. “The $529 prize, deposited into a 529 Arizona Education Savings Plan, will help support Raegyn’s educational journey.”
Raegyn’s passion for cooking began at home, where he often made pancakes with his older brother. This love for culinary arts has now blossomed into a dream of opening his own restaurant someday. While he has not decided on a specific culinary school, his mother mentioned that Northern Arizona University, where his dad teaches, is always in the running.
“We’ve always encouraged our kids to chase their dreams,” said Jody. “I’m proud of Raegyn for his determination and hard work. He stayed committed to this essay, and it paid off.”
The AZ529 essay contest, now in its fifth year, aims to inspire Arizona’s youth to think about their future careers and educational paths. This year’s competition saw a diverse group of winners from district, charter, private, and Bureau of Indian Education schools across Arizona. Each winner received $529 to kickstart or grow their AZ529 savings accounts, which can be used for future education expenses such as tuition, books, or trade school costs.
Treasurer Yee emphasized the significance of this program.
“It’s inspiring to meet these ambitious student winners who are planning for their future careers,” she said. “They represent the future of our state.”
Raegyn’s accomplishment marks a proud moment for the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) and Marshall Elementary. As the only winner from Coconino County, Raegyn has set a shining example for his peers.
