Sioux Falls First Grader Competes On National Stage

Meet A Young Dreamer from Sioux Falls

One Sioux Falls six-year-old is setting his sights high. Owen Quinn is proving that determination can take you a long way.

Dakota News Now is reporting that the Sioux Falls first grader is competing in the nationwide America’s Favorite Student contest, where students advance through rounds based on public votes. Owen’s goal? To make it all the way to the top and meet his hero, Bill Nye. He said he needs people's help, “Not like cleaning my room help, but voting help.”

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“I would ask him how he became the science guy,” Owen said. “I wouldn’t challenge him in a science battle, though, because I’d lose.”

Owen’s interests include science, chess, and soccer, but it’s his enthusiasm and persistence that really set him apart.

“He’s not shy at all,” said his mom, Sarah Quinn. “He’ll walk right up to people and say, ‘Will you vote for me?’ - sometimes forgetting to explain what they’re voting for because he’s just so excited.”

The Grand Prize Explained

The stakes of the competition go far beyond bragging rights. The grand prize includes a feature in Reader’s Digest, a meeting with Bill Nye, and a $20,000 prize that can be put toward education.

“I’m not rich by any means,” Sarah said. “That money could really help set him up for the future without as much student debt. College is so expensive.”

Owen already has a plan for the prize money.

“I would use some of it for a science camp, and the rest for college,” he said.

The contest unfolds over several rounds, with public voting playing a key role. Supporters can cast one free vote every 24 hours, or purchase additional votes, with proceeds benefiting The Planetary Society.

Owen is currently sitting in the top five of his group, with the next round of finalists determined on April 23.

Community Support: Turning Dreams into Reality

“We've been saying every vote helps,” Sarah said. Even taking 10 seconds to cast that free vote can make a difference. "It means everything to him - and that means everything to me.”

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And if you ask Owen, he’s happy to make one final pitch:

“Can you vote for me so I can meet Bill Nye and go to the planetarium?” he said. “If you don’t vote, that’s okay - but you really should!”

With more rounds ahead, Owen and his family are hoping community support will help turn his big dream into reality.

You can find more information on the contest here, and vote for Owen here.

Source: Dakota News Now