One Richmond Hill High School student now has some spare change for college in her pocket after being selected as the statewide winner of Georgia’s Path2College 529 Savings Plan summer reading sweepstakes.
Sixteen-year-old Savannah Beecher was selected as the winner out of more than 3,600 students in Georgia. She was awarded $5,529 Wednesday in front of her classmates at RHHS for her participation in the ‘Think BIG! Save for College!’ sweepstakes — a partnership between Georgia’s public library system and the Georgia Path2College 529 Savings Plan.
Beecher, who plans to study accounting and attend the University of Florida, said she was feeling a little shy Wednesday but happy about the announcement.
“I’m pretty excited, and thankful,” she said.
Beecher’s mother, Shawn Beecher, was also excited about Savannah’s award.
“The cost of college is rising each year, and having a 529 savings plan is a great way for us to save money for tuition and other expenses,” Shawn Beecher said. “Our family was absolutely thrilled about winning such a large prize.  This will help Savannah achieve her dream of majoring in business/accounting in college.” 
In addition to Savannah Beecher being awarded money toward her college savings, the Richmond Hill Public Library, where she was entered into the sweepstakes, was also awarded $1,529.
“We are thrilled that Savannah won the Path2College 529 Plan Sweepstakes. I know she will put the money to good use,” said Kate Barker, branch manager of the Richmond Hill Public Library. “We hope to use the library’s $1,529 winnings to purchase materials that will assist area teens and young adults in making career and education choices.”

Read more in the Sept. 8 edition of the News.