Third-Grade Poster Contest
The lesson plan kits included instructions for entering the PDA-sponsored , third-grade poster contest , in which PDA annually awards $ 850 in monetary prizes to the students who design the top three posters . In addition , the first-place winner ’ s school and teacher each receive $ 250 . This year , the PDA Central Office received 217 artistic and creative entries for judging .
Davin Palmer , a third-grade student at Dillsburg Elementary School in Dillsburg , York County , was this year ’ s first place winner . Davin ’ s prize-winning entry creatively depicts this year ’ s theme by using a seal doing tricks with dental supplies and the headline , “ A ‘ Seal ’ ant Today Keeps Decay Away .” Davin was presented with his framed winning poster and $ 500 prize by Pediatric Dentist Dr . Jacqueline Caster , DMD , PharmD , of Cumberland Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Camp Hill , PA , at Dillsburg Elementary on May 6 . Both Dillsburg Elementary School and Davin ’ s teacher , Alicia Hammock received prizes for being part of the first-place entry in PDA ’ s contest .
“ The dental health poster contest gave my students the opportunity to really understand the importance of taking care of their teeth ,” said Ms . Hammock , “ By using creativity to better understand , they were able to collaborate and encourage one another to really think about the most important part of brushing and oral hygiene . The money that Davin won helped us to have a celebratory pizza party as a third grade . My money will go towards rewards and teaching resources that are desperately needed . Thank you so much for this opportunity . From Davin and I , this was a once in lifetime chance !”
Davin Palmer Third grade student at Dillsburg Elementary School , York County
“ It ’ s clear that our creative Polar Bears contributed to teaching others about healthy habits to keep their mouth and teeth strong and healthy ,” said Lyndsey Quintana , Dillsburg Elementary Principal . “ A big thank you to Dr . Caster from Cumberland Valley Pediatric Dentistry for representing the PA Dental Association and presenting not only the awards , but reminding students of healthy dental habits . Congratulations !”
“ The dental health poster contest gave my students the opportunity to really understand the importance of taking care of their teeth ,” – Alicia Hammock , third grade teacher .
( From L – R ) Alicia Hammock , third grade teacher , Dr . Jacqueline Caster of Cumberland Valley Pediatric Dentistry , Davin Palmer , NCDHM Statewide First Place Winner , Mr . and Mrs . Palmer , Davin ’ s Parents , Mr . and Mrs . Palmer , Davin ’ s Grandparents , Dr . Matthew Meakin , Assistant Superintendent of NYCSD and Lyndsey Quintana , Principal of Dillsburg Elementary .
16 MAY / JUNE 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL