Et cetera : Runyan among Third Quarterly Winners of College Savings Drawing

Parents Entered in Drawing After Receiving College and Career Planning
Information for Their StudentsThirty-eight Iowa parents and guardians each received $250 in college savings deposits after their entries were randomly selected in a quarterly drawing sponsored by Iowa Student Loan®. The winners were among 386 eligible participants who entered after receiving free college and career planning information for their middle and high school students.The information service, SP3 or Student Planning Pointers for Parents, is provided by the nonprofit student loan provider to help parents and guardians guide their students through eighth through 12th grades with an eye to the future"Parents are often unsure of how to help their student think about and plan for the future. We want to help them understand the planning steps that apply to each student's grade level and what they as a family can do now to prepare for success in college and careers," said Steve McCullough, president and CEO of Iowa Student LoanThe free service is provided via twice-monthly emails to parents and guardians who sign up at www.sp3.org. Registered recipients have the opportunity to enter the quarterly drawings for deposits into a college savings account"I find the SP3 emails full of value," said winner Sara Arnold of Norwalk, Iowa. "They keep me on track with information … [and] come at a perfect time with [my children's] age group and with the seasons. Thank you for providing a fabulous service that helps both the children and parents.""These emails are helping us stay on a timeline that will have [my son] ready to start college in the fall," Second-quarter winner Cindy Bordenaro from Carroll, Iowa agreed. "Thank you so much for all of the information you have provided us with [for] our college planning."The SP3 service is provided in partnership with College Savings Iowa, ICAN, the Iowa School Counselor Association and Strada Education Network.Articles are carefully researched and informed by 40 years of experience in the higher education industry. Additionally, parents and guardians are provided with multiple resources to further explore topics of particular interestThe information is targeted to specific grade levels to correspond with students' current stages. The consistent format explains why the topic is important, what students can do now, additional steps they should take later and what parents can do. In addition, talking points are provided as a guideline for approaching the topic with students"SP3 has allowed our parents to connect to concise, easy-to-read information relevant to their child's career and college readiness," said Carmen Stenger, Monticello High School counselor. "While the information and resources are very helpful, my favorite part of these resources is the talking points section for parents to start career conversations with their teens. As a high school counselor, I appreciate this service that can replace some of my time spent writing articles so more of my time can be spent working directly with students." More information and simple signup is available at www.sp3.org.
2020 Third-Quarter WinnersEach winner below received a $250 deposit to an established 529 college savings plan account.

• Kimberly Armstrong, Logan
• Sara Arnold, Norwalk
• Laurie Barnes, West Des Moine
• Jenifer Bates, Indianola
• Melissa Bernhardt, Waukee
• Barb Blake, Indianola
• Stacey Bragg, Danbury
• Tara Cheek, Eldridge
• Heidi Crow, Tiffin
• Mark Danker, Fayette
• Mark Davis, Calmar
• Melody Dean, Johnston
• Jon Heine, Cedar Falls
• Tim Hilton, Indianola
• Jill Hoover, Indianola
• Terri Keller, Center Point
• Erika Keppy, Eldridge
• Michael LaBelle, Decorah
• Darin Lamont, Iowa City
• Corey Langner, Milford
• Juanita Loring, Coralville
• Michael May, Dubuque
• Jill Meadows, Iowa City
• Pam Moos, Des Moines
• Stacey Nepple, Carroll
• Jennell Owens, Ankeny
• Christine Pilcher, Princeton
• Heather Rozenboom, Alleman
• Quinn Ruhl, Keokuk
• Heather Runyan, Vinton
• Charstie Thorson, Des Moine
• Rebekah Tilley, Iowa City
• Matt Tranel, Maquoketa
• Tracy Truman, Norwalk
• Paige Wallace, Asbury
• Daniel Walsh, Dubuque
• Angie Weiland, Wesley
• Kari Wickman, Winterset