TRINIDAD, Colo.— The first five $50,000 winners were announced June 10 by Governor Polis.
“Congratulations to our very first winners of the Colorado Comeback Cash Scholarship drawing!” said Governor Polis, in a press conference.
The drawing, which was announced by the governor earlier this month, is a way to incentivize teens to receive a vaccine.
“As some of the younger Coloradans eligible to receive the incredibly effective vaccine, I thank you for doing your part to protect yourself, your family, your classmates, and other members of your community. This lifesaving vaccine is our ticket for students to return to the classroom, and an opportunity to win a $50,000 scholarship, which can open a multitude of doors for students pursuing advanced education. I encourage you, whether you’re in high school or in your 60’s, to make a plan today to get this vaccine.”
One of the students who was awarded a scholarship turned down the money. Thomas M. of Steamboat Springs already has a full-ride scholarship to college so another student was able to win in his place.
The winners for the first scholarship drawing are:
- Natalie M. of Centennial
- Arianna Garcia (14) of Longmont
- Liam Atkins (15) of Boulder
- Brett Cheney (16) of Mesa County
- Gabriella Sleight (14) of Littleton
Vaccinated Coloradans ages 12 through 17 are eligible for the $50,000 scholarship and will be randomly selected over the next few weeks.
There will be four more drawings for the Comeback Cash Scholarship on Mondays. The winners will be announced on Thursdays, including: June 17, June 24, July 1, and July 8. The funds will be placed in a 529 savings plan.
There is also million-dollar “Colorado Comeback Cash" drawing for Coloradans 18 years-old and up. Governor Polis said the odds of winning one of the five drawings is about 1 in 500,000.
The next winner will be announced Friday, June 11.
The first winner was Sally Sliger, a health care worker from Mead, in Weld County.
