Gov. Polis announces first winners of Comeback Cash scholarships

DENVER (KRDO) -- Gov. Jared Polis is announcing the first five kids who will win $50,000 scholarships just for getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

The drawing is part of the state's effort to increase turnout for the COVID-19 vaccine. Twenty-five winners aged 12-17 will win $50,000 scholarships, and five Coloradans will win $1 million cash. The first winner of $1 million was announced last Friday, and the drawings will be held weekly through June.

The first winners announced Thursday were:

• Natalie, no last name given - Centennial
• Liam Atkins - Boulder
• Gabriella Sleight - Littleton
• Arianna Garcia - Longmont
• Brett Cheney - Grand Junction

One of the original winners was Thomas of Steamboat Springs, but he said during the news conference that he had a full-ride scholarship available to him, so he made his winning scholarship available to another vaccinated teen.

Polis added that the $50,000 will be in an investment account, so it will grow over time before it's used.

This article will be updated with new information, check back for additions.