Icealyne ’ s prize-winning entry shows a Garfield-like cat admiring his shiny teeth in a mirror and saying “ Want to keep your teeth “ purrfectly ” white ? Don ’ t rush when you brush and floss like a boss !” Icealyne will be presented with her framed winning poster and $ 500 prize in near future . Both Newberry Elementary School and Icealyne ’ s teacher , Mrs . Rebecca Derstine , will also receive prizes of $ 250 each for being part of first place in PDA ’ s contest .
Our second- place winner is nine-year old Jace Dorta from Brecknock Elementary in Berks County . Jace ’ s drawing showed the planet earth as a faucet dripping phrases such as “ no sugar ” and “ removes plaque ” along with the ADA theme : “ Water : Nature ’ s Drink !” Jace will receive a $ 250 prize and a certificate of recognition
“ Pirates of the Fluoride Sea – Ahoy , no cavities aboard !” was the message from Avani Chapman , a third grader from Middle Smithfield Elementary in East Stroudsburg , who received third place recognition . In Avani ’ s artwork , she drew a colorful ship in the ocean with boats being sailed by tooth pirates . Avani will receive a $ 100 prize and a certificate of recognition .
Jace Dorta Third grade student at Brecknock Elementary in Berks County
In addition to the top three winners , the following have received honorable mention for placing in the top ten :
Viktoria Perez-Morales , Bridgeport Elementary , Upper Merion SD Harper Coughenour , Lehigh Elementary , Northampton Area SD Carter Howells , Lehigh Elementary , Northampton Area SD Lydia Clouser , Newberry Elementary , West Shore SD Shreyasi Pabbathi , Gulph Elementary , Upper Merion SD Zoie Zimmerman , Notre Dame Elementary , Diocese of Scranton Drea Janaro , J M Hill Elementary , East Stroudsburg Area SD
Congratulations to this year ’ s dental health month winners .
Though we have been challenged with the pandemic this past year , the students and teachers were still able to participate with amazing posters - a testament to our volunteers over the years ,” said Dr . Samer Mansour , PDA ’ s statewide NCDHM chair . “ While most dentists and staff were not able to volunteer their time like in previous years , I know that we will all double our efforts next year to educate the bright-smiled students about the importance of dental health . We all can agree that oral health contributes to our overall health . I thank you in advance for your continued willingness to volunteer now and into the future .”
Avani Chapman Third grade student at Smithfield Elementary in East Stroudsburg
MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 35