7-Year-Old Close to $20,000 Scholarship

Today (Sept. 15) is the last day to vote in the Gerber Life College Scholarship Contest, and is hoping to maintain her spot in the top 20 vote getters.

As of Friday afternoon, Neela was No. 18 out of 183 entries.

“We are extremely excited,” said Neela’s mom, Niccole Rogers.”Neela doesn't understand what ‘top 20’ means, but I told her it’s a good place to be. She wants to win, and I am happy that she has been given the opportunity.”

Neela, a Temple Terrace Girl Scout, is the only person from the Tampa Bay area competing in the contest, which is offering kids ages 3-8 the opportunity to win a $20,000 scholarship.

From Aug. 1-31, kids drew pictures of what they want to be when they grow up. Now, Facebook users can log on to the Gerber Life Facebook page and vote for their favorite drawing through Sept. 15.

The 20 drawings with the most votes will go before a panel of judges, who will select the grand-prize winner. The 19 runners-up will each receive a $100 gift card. All winners will be announced at the end of September.

On Friday afternoon, Neela had 484 votes.

“Neela feels good about the community support,” Rogers said. “I think she has learned a great lesson with this contest: Don’t be afraid to try. She tells me, “Mommy, we did our very best and we were positive.’ I reply, ‘Yes, we did a great job and I hope we win.’ She replies, ‘We are going to win for sure.’”

“I want to say thanks to the community for helping Neela,” Rogers added. “She really is a good kid, and I am so proud of her. It was her choice to enter this scholarship contest, and I am glad she had the courage to do so.”

To vote for Neela, visit the Gerber Life Facebook page and “Like” the page. Then click on “College Scholarship Contest,” and “Vote Now.” You can search “Neela” or find her about halfway down.

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