Mom wins college tuition for 1 year for her son

Posted: Jan 27, 2010 8:05 PM CST Updated: Jan 27, 2010 8:06 PM CST

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) – A Ridgeland mom got a big jump on paying for her 5 month old’s college education. 

Tawana Tucker of Ridgeland and her son Bryson were presented with a check for more than $4,000 dollars from State Treasurer Tate Reeves. 

The Tuckers are the winners of an online contest for a free year of pre-paid college tuition. 

The contest was held this fall during the enrollment period for the M-PACT college savings program.   

It allows families to lock in today’s college tuition prices, regardless of any tuition increases. 

“Very impressive because this is what he’s going to need to make it, I’m so excited for him to have that and I was just telling them, tuition increases, I heard it on the news this morning so can you imagine what it’s gonna be 18 years from now when Bryson is ready to go to college, so I’m very excited about this moment,” said Tucker. 

Little Bryson Tucker has not picked a specific college just yet. His mom says she’s pushing for Mississippi College and Jackson State, the school she attended. 

The Tuckers say after winning the free year of tuition, they opened up their own M-PACT account to help pay for his education. 

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STATE TREASURER TATE REEVES AWARDS
ONE YEAR OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION

Tuition winner Tawana Tucker and her son, Bryson, accept the check from State Treasurer Tate Reeves.

Jackson, Miss (January 27, 2010) – State Treasurer Tate Reeves presented a check today for $4,691 to Tawana Tucker, of Ridgeland, Mississippi, who won a free year of senior college tuition for her infant son, Bryson. Tucker participated in a web site contest that was held during the enrollment period of the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (MPACT) plan, one of the state’s two college savings programs.

“Hundreds of Mississippians entered our online tuition drawing, and I am pleased that we have the opportunity to provide this family with a gift that will pay huge dividends in the future,” said Reeves. “One way you can help secure your child’s future is through planning for their college education today.”

“When Treasurer Reeves called to let me know I won, I didn’t believe him,” Tucker said. “What a great surprise! A year of college tuition with the MPACT program is such a wise investment for the future of my child. Education is the key to success today and it will be for Bryson too.”

Tucker also said winning the free year of tuition encouraged her to open additional MPACT accounts for her son.

“This is the beginning of a bright future for my son,” Tucker added.

MPACT allows families to lock-in today’s college tuition prices regardless of future tuition increases, and the program is also guaranteed by the State of Mississippi. MPACT earnings are exempt from Federal and State income tax. In addition, the purchaser is able to claim a tax deduction from Mississippi Income Tax.

“Making higher education more affordable and accessible for all Mississippians is essential for providing more opportunities for our children,” said Reeves. “Given the recent volatility in the financial markets, there is no better way to invest your money.”

InTuition Systems, the records administrator for MPACT, donated the free year of senior college tuition.

For more information regarding College Savings Mississippi, visit online at www.CollegeSavingsMississippi.com or call 800.987.4450.
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