MANCHESTER – The Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) recently honored students from across the county for their creativity and commitment to promoting public health awareness through art. Three of them were township students.
Students from across the county created inspiring artwork centered around important public health themes, showcasing their creativity and a strong understanding of community wellness by exploring important health topics.
They expressed their ideas through posters, drawings, and other creative projects that highlighted the impact that public health has on communities in Ocean County. The program designated participants with the title of Public Health Youth Ambassadors for helping spread positive health messages in an engaging and thoughtful way.
Among the students recognized were a trio of talented students from Manchester Township School District, whose award-winning entries reflected their creativity and a strong understanding of public health themes.
Ridgeway Elementary School student Taisha Valente and Manchester Township Elementary School student Scarlette Kenniard had their pictures selected to be in the “What a Difference A Friend Makes” calendar art contest, and Manchester Township High School student Naheem Sheridan won for his video submission.
The winners, along with their families, were recognized for their outstanding work during the latest Board of Health meeting. OCHD officials noted that the students’ accomplishments showcased the dedication and talent of Manchester students while reinforcing the importance of encouraging young people to become involved in community health awareness initiatives. The district congratulates all three students on their outstanding achievements.
Board members gathered with the students for photos, along with Ocean County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione who serves as Board of Health Liaison, and OCHD Chairman John J. “Jack” Mallon.
The first-place winners included Jesus Ramirez – (Grade 3), Benjamin Bonelli – (Grade Kindergarten), Savannah Weber – (Grade 5) and Alyssa Dorie – (Grade 12).
Second place winners includedFaith Doderer – (Grade Kindergarten), and DJ Ceparano – (Grade 4) while third place winners included Teagan Ninomiya – (Grade Kindergarten) and Julia Petacciato – (Grade 3).
OCHD members expressed their congratulations to all of the winners, and provided a big thank you to each student who participated. The Ocean County Board of Health consists of 30th District Senator Robert Singer as Vice-Chairman, Lacey Township Business Administrator Veronica Laureigh as Secretary Treasurer, Dr. Avinash Gupta, former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, Dr. Theresa “Teri” Kubiel, Henry J. Mancini, former Brick Councilwoman Ruthanne Scaturro and Manchester Township Councilwoman Sandra L Gravett-Drake.
