Flint Township View

Students invited to participate in county-wide essay & scholarship contests




GENESEE COUNTY — Genesee Health Plan (GHP) is accepting entries for its fourth Annual Health Heritage Essay Contest, partnering with the Delta Dental Foundation of Michigan to co-sponsor the contests which are open to all students in Genesee County in grades 6-12 and includes an essay contest for middle/ junior high and high school students and an oral health career scholarship for two high school seniors pursuing a career in oral health. Students are invited to submit an essay about their family health history with a focus on oral health and the power of a healthy smile.

“Knowing your family health history is a key part of prevention and living a healthy life. Our annual Health Heritage Essay Contest is one way we encourage students to think about their health today and in the future,” said Jim Milanowski, GHP President and CEO. “This year we are excited to announce that the Delta Dental Foundation is co-sponsoring the Essay and Scholarship contest.” “This gives students the opportunity to discuss the importance of dental health and the impact a healthy smile makes.”

Students are encouraged to interview one or more of their family members and write an essay about their findings. The essay should also include information about their plans for their personal health and their future health. The specific essay guidelines are outlined at www.geneseeheathplan.org. healthy smile and its effect on physical health, and how oral health shapes future success. A $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to the firstplace oral health essay submission and a $1,000 scholarship awarded to the second-place essay submission.

“Good oral health is closely linked to overall health. That’s why having students reflect and learn about their oral health history and taking care of their teeth and mouths is so important,” said Teri Battaglieri, Executive Director for the Delta Dental Foundation. “We are strong supporters of the work Genesee Health Plan does to educate students and families about making healthy lifestyle choices.”

All essay submissions are due on or before Friday, March 22. All firstplace winners will be invited to read an excerpt from their essay and be recognized at Genesee Health Plan’s Health Care Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on April 12. First place essay contest winner from middle/junior high school will receive a $200 gift card; second place winner will receive a $100 gift card. First place essay contest winner from high school will receive a $400 gift card; second place winner will receive a $200 gift card. The middle/junior high school teacher who has the most students from their classes enter the contest will receive a $300 gift card; high school teacher who has the most students from their classes enter the contest will receive a $500 gift card. Both winning teachers will also be recognized at the Health Care Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Essays can be submitted electronically to: healthheritage@countyhealthplans.org. Contact Sherika Finklea at 810- 232-7740 ext. 217 with any questions. Details: Visit geneseehealthplan.org/2019essaycontests/.

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