NCDHM 2023
Our second-place winner is nine-year-old Brady Corvaia from Octorara Elementary School in Chester County . Brady designed a poster also honoring this year ’ s theme by depicting baseball player Jackie Robinson up to bat with a toothbrush under the headline , “ Brush and floss for a grand slam smile !” Brady received a $ 250 prize and a certificate of recognition .
“ Brady was enthusiastic about this poster contest from the very beginning ,” said Erika Lynch , Brady ’ s teacher . Octorara Elementary ’ s CSDH , Christine Robinson , presented the third-grade class with a dental health lesson and introduced the contest . “ Brady was very conscientious about following the rules to make sure his idea was on track and that his spelling was correct ,” said Lynch .
“ Jackie Robinson is a hero to me because he broke the color line in professional baseball ,” said Brady . “ I wanted my poster to represent both Black History Month and Children ’ s Dental Health Month ,”
Brady was so proud of his artwork that he showcased his prize-winning poster to his dentist , Dr . Jeffrey Melini , a pediatric dentist practicing in Glen Mills who commented on Brady ’ s top placement saying , “ Everyone at Pediatric Dental Associates of Glen Mills would like to send a BIG congratulations to Brady . Nice job !”
Third-place winner Jessica McGinley , a nine-year-old from Queen of Angels Catholic School in North Huntingdon , in Westmoreland County says , “ Dental Health Rocks !” She created a rock band trio of tooth musicians performing with dental ‘ instruments ’ including a toothbrush guitar , mouthwash drums , and a floss electric keyboard .
“ I am so proud of Jessica ,” said Jamie Gill , Jessica ’ s third-grade teacher . “ She is so gifted and has such a creative mind . She has such a humble spirit , so it is wonderful to see her get recognition for her outstanding abilities .”
Jessica received a $ 100 prize and a certificate of recognition .
The following students were among the statewide Top 10 entries and received Honorable Mention certificates :
Ava Brandes - Age 9 Resica Elementary , East Stroudsburg
Amber Hope Katsafanas - Age 9 Todd Lane Elementary , Aliquippa
Sophie Ladines - Age 8 East Stroudsburg Elementary , East Stroudsburg
Julianna Neghiu - Age 9 Our Mother of Perpetual Help School , Ephrata
Adelaide Revercomb - Age 9 Shade Gap Elementary , Shade Gap
Adelyn Weigel - Age 9 Todd Lane Elementary , Aliquippa
Alivia Yeschenko - Age 8 Stewartsville Elementary , North Huntingdon
MAY / JUNE 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15