SALT ROCK -- Fifth-grader Ashley Cooper will be recognized for winning $500 in an essay contest, partly sponsored by State Treasurer John Perdue’s office, and for being the lucky random drawing winner that netted her another $4,500 for her college education. The event will take place at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, at Salt Rock Elementary School in Cabell County.

The $5,000 total has been set aside for Ashley by The Hartford Financial Co., which runs West Virginia’s SMART529 college savings program. The Hartford provided the money, which Ashley will be able to access upon graduation. In addition, Salt Rock Elementary, where Ashley attends, will receive $500 from The Hartford for boasting a contest winner.

Ashley will read her essay during the event, which outlines how she wants to be an astronaut someday. Across the state, 15 regional winners spanning three age groups won for their 100-word essays. Treasurer Perdue then pulled Ashley’s name from those 15 winners.

“We can’t wait to present Ashley and the school with her hard-earned reward,” Treasurer Perdue said. “She will use this money in the best way possible – because, as I like to say, nothing opens the doors of opportunity like education.”