Wallingford Student Wins Grand Prize In CHET Dream Big! Competition

WALLINGFORD, CT — A Wallingford student was a grand prize winner in the state's 2025 CHET Dream Big! Competition.

State Treasurer Erick Russell, Trustee of the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), announced this week the winners of the 2025 CHET Dream Big! Competition, recognizing students across the state for their creativity and ambition.

Three students were awarded $20,000 prizes and 24 students were awarded $5,000 prizes. An additional 240 students will be awarded $500 prizes this spring. Nearly 3,200 entries were submitted.

Dylan L. of Wallingford was a grand prize winner in the fifth through eighth grade group and earned $20,000 toward his future education.

Dylan submitted an essay about being inspired by his mother to fundraise for war victims in Ukraine. His mother is from Ukraine and had been raising money for medical supplies, so he decided to make and sell bracelets at school to help with her efforts, according to a news release. He raised $350 and continues to help with fundraising in other ways today.

“I plan to continue to do good for the world, and for Ukraine, in my future,” he wrote.

Reem E. of Hamden was the first-prize winner in the kindergarten through fourth grade group. Reem submitted a drawing and essay about her dream of becoming a nurse. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives and help them heal.

“It would be exciting to understand how medicines and treatments work,” she wrote. “Being a nurse means I can help people every day, and that makes me happy.”

Molly W. of Tolland was the first-prize winner in the ninth through 12th grade group. Molly submitted an essay about joining the football team at her high school as a female player in a traditionally male sport.

The experience helped her build her communication skills and work ethic, and she now holds five state records for female kickers.

“Football taught me that resilience and belief in myself can open doors I never thought possible, on or off the field,” she wrote.

Russell also announced that 10 schools will receive a $5,000 technology prize to help provide new items like tablets, smartboards and small electronics for classrooms. Each school in Connecticut represented by at least one entry in the Dream Big! Competition was eligible for a random drawing for these prizes.

“This competition helps empower Connecticut students to chase their dreams,” Russell said. “Each year, students from every corner of our state continue to inspire us with their passion, thoughtfulness and originality. With the right support and encouragement, I have no doubt these dreams will grow into extraordinary achievements.

“I also want to congratulate the schools that won technology prizes. We are so thankful for your partnership and encouragement of your students. They are the future of Connecticut.”

The competition, which began Aug. 18, 2025, and ended on Nov. 5, 2025, was open to all Connecticut residents in grades K-12. As part of the competition, students were asked to answer a question about their dreams or thoughts on the future. Answers were provided in the form of short essays, drawings or videos.

“This year’s winners shared dreams of careers in medicine, fitness, engineering, zoology, marine biology, therapy, the military and mental health advocacy,” according to the news release. “Since 2013, the Dream Big! Competition has awarded over $5.5 million to Connecticut students to help pay for future education expenses.”

For more information about the CHET Dream Big! Competition, visit here.