Third-Grade Poster Contest
Our second-place winner is eight-year-old Finnley Murdock from Dillsburg Elementary School in York County . Finnley designed a poster also honoring this year ’ s theme by reminding us “ Don ’ t Rush When You Brush !” and “ Slow We Go !” When asked about his poster and award recognition , he said , “ I am proud of myself for winning second place . It was fun making the poster . I made a snail because they are slow , and you shouldn ’ t brush your teeth too fast . You should brush slowly !” Finnley received a $ 250 prize and a certificate of recognition .
“ I am so proud of Finnley ’ s hard work and special accomplishment ,” said Janelle Kopac , Finnley ’ s teacher . “ He is a great artist , and this project allowed him to showcase his talent . I love having my students participate in this contest each year because it allows them to explore their creativity while also spreading meaningful messages .” Kopac is an avid poster contest participant , having one of her students win first-place in 2022 .
Third-place winner Sloane Alexander , a nine-year-old from Montgomery Elementary School in North Wales proclaimed “ Brush Two Times A Day to Keep The Cavities Away !” with her poster . She designed tooth siblings getting ready for the day and taking care of their oral health . Sloane received a $ 100 prize and a certificate of recognition .
Montgomery Elementary was very excited to celebrate Sloane ’ s win . “ We are so proud of Sloane ,” said Dr . Marie Kim , Montgomery Elementary School Principal , “ and her creativity and positive message to promote dental health .” Sloane ’ s teacher , Heidi Cassidy , said , “ I am very proud of Sloane for her hard work on the NCDHM poster contest !”
The following students were among the statewide Top 10 entries and will receive an Honorable Mention certificate :
Macklen Madden - Age 9 , Stewartsville Elementary , North Huntingdon
Samantha Snyder - Age 8 , East Stroudsburg Elementary , East Stroudsburg
Cooper Sullivan - Age 9 , A . M . Kulp Elementary , Hatfield
Juliet Suppan - Age 9 , Moravian Academy : Swain Campus , Allentown
Johnathan L . Vasquez Cabrera - Age 9 , Davenport Elementary , Norristown
Zoe Zandomenego - Age 9 , Resica Elementary , East Stroudsburg
Tilda Zimmerman - Age 9 , Octorara Elementary , Atglen
“ In all my years as chairperson of NCDHM , I have never had the opportunity to present to the winner ,” said Dr . Mansour . “ Imagine my surprise to receive the call that this year ’ s winner is minutes from my office ! Another year has closed on NCDHM , and I would like to thank all involved . As we continue to grow third-grade participation , I urge every dentist to reach out and foster dental health . It should be our mission to both enlighten and care for the next generation . Dental health starts at home .”
Thank You for Volunteering
PDA would like to thank our member dentists for the continued success of the promotion of NCDHM . From promoting awareness to children and families in their local communities to sponsoring events and activities , the efforts of our members are valuable and appreciated . A special thank you goes to PDA ’ s statewide NCDHM Chair , Dr . Sam Mansour for his continued support and enthusiasm for endorsing NCDHM .
We are always looking for suggestions to improve and increase the participation from our schools . Please send your ideas to zlk @ padental . org . Thank you in advance .
28 MAY / JUNE 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL