The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office and Mission West Virginia presented 12 children with SMART529 college savings awards today as part of the SMART START adoption award program. Each child will receive $1,200 invested in a SMART529 account. The award helps boost college savings for children adopted from the state’s foster care system.

Today’s ceremony and luncheon at the Clay Center also served as a local kickoff for November’s recognition as National Adoption Awareness Month. Children participated in a Build-a-Bear workshop and other activities provided by Clay Center staff.

The 12 children represent seven families, with four of the seven comprised of siblings. The recipients were selected by Mission West Virginia’s Frameworks program through an application process.

This is the second year for the project started by State Treasurer John Perdue. Funds for the award are a result of the SMART 5.29K Run/Walk. Races have been held in May of the past two years in Charleston’s East End. Last May’s race raised more than $15,000. Nearly 70 people ran the course, marked off at exactly 5.29 kilometers.

 “I can’t think of a better cause or a more vulnerable population to help go to college,” Treasurer Perdue said. “I hope we can continue to serve these kids for a long time. They face long odds in going to college because of interruptions in schooling and the psychological impact of being bounced from place to place. We’re proud to participate in SMART START.”