National Children’s
DENTAL HEALTH MONTH 2017
Third-Grade Poster Contest
Included with the lesson plan kits were instructions for entering our
third-grade poster contest. PDA annually awards $850 in monetary
prizes to the students who design the top three posters. This year,
more than 125 clever, well-designed entries from across the state
were submitted to the Central Office for judging.
Contest Winners
Caleb Nemchek, a third-grade student at Gill Hall Elementary in Allegheny
County, was this year’s first place winner. Caleb’s winning poster reminded
everyone that you can fight cavities with a simple oral health routine,
including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. The theme for his
poster (“Game Over for Cavities!”) was inspired by a Pac-Man game,
showing “Pac-Cav” being chased by the ghosts of flossing, brushing
and dental visits.
Caleb was presented with his framed winning poster and $500 prize by
Dr. Dennis Zabelsky on May 12 at a school assembly. Gill Hall Elementary
and Caleb’s teacher, Katie Palmer, also received prizes of $250 each for
being part of first place in PDA’s contest.
Caleb Nemchek
Third-grader, Gill Hall Elementary
“NCDHM participation continues to grow, and each year brings posters
that amaze, as evidenced by this year's winner. I am appreciative of all
the participating schools, my colleagues that make this a success, and
the third graders that learn the importance of oral hygiene through this
program,” said Dr. Samer Mansour, statewide NCDHM chair.
Second-place winner, Roslynn Strong, a third-grade student at Linglestown
Elementary in Dauphin County, created a colorful and fun poster, “Clean
Teeth are Happy Teeth,” which shows smiling teeth covered in bubbles
from being brushed. Roslynn received a $250 prize.
Using the ADA’s theme, “Drink Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile,” Jack
Halterman, a third grader from J.M. Hill Elementary in East Stroudsburg,
created our third place poster. The message reads “Drink Tap Water” and
depicts a faucet with a large water drop saying “Smile” and several
happy faces. Jack received a $100 prize.
Roslynn Strong
Third-grader, Linglestown Elementary
The following students were among the statewide Top 10 entries
and received an Honorable Mention:
• Jaelynn Bonilla – Age 8, East Stroudsburg Elementary, East Stroudsburg
• Michael Evans – Age 9, Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton
• Ewan Clark – Age 8, Dillsburg Elementary, Dillsburg
• Gerry Davis – Age 8, Queen of Angels Catholic School, Irwin
• Malachi Derrickson – Age 9, Highland Elementary, Camp Hill
• Abby Spare – Age 9, St. Nicholas/St. Mary’s, Wilkes-Barre
• Maddison Barrett –Age 9, Octorara Elementary, Atglen
Jack Halterman
Third-grader, J.M. Hill Elementary
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