Students Being “Tick Free!” in 2015
“Be Tick Free!” Poster Contest for 5th & 6th graders for the prevention of tick-borne diseases
The Dutchess County Department of Health and the Dutchess County Legislative Tick Task Force has launched their annual “Be Tick Free!” Poster Contest open to all fifth and sixth graders as a fun and creative way for students to teach others how to prevent tick-borne diseases. Students are asked to create a poster showing people how to protect themselves from being bitten by ticks and help further spread the message about protecting against tickborne diseases.
“Dutchess County is an amazing place to explore our many outdoor venues including our parks and the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail,” said Kari Reiber, Dutchess County Commissioner of Health. “We want residents and visitors to protect themselves from the sun, heat, cold, and pests. This contest is one way our local children can make a difference in their community by educating others about tick-borne diseases.”
In 2014, the “Be Tick Free!” Poster Contest Award was presented to Nathan Ogden (5th grade – Faith Christian Academy) and Tegan Moeller (6th grade – Hudson Valley Girl Scouts). Both students were honored at an award presentation at the Roosevelt Farm Lane Trailhead.
The “Be Tick Free!” Poster Contest is open to all Dutchess County 5th and 6th graders until March 13, 2015. An informational flyer, contest rules, and entry form are available on the Dutchess County “Be Tick Free!” website, which also features students’ artwork from previous contests.
“We encourage 5th and 6th graders to get involved in this educational and creative contest,” said Donna Bolner, Chairman of the Dutchess County Tick Task Force. “We were really excited to offer this program again, especially given the response we received last year.”
A winner from each the 5th grade category and the 6th grade category will receive an award, and the first twenty poster submissions will receive a prize. All entries must be postmarked by March 13, 2015. Additional details may be found online at the Dutchess County “Be Tick Free!” Poster Contest webpage www.DutchessNY.gov/BeTickFreePosterContest
For more information about tick diseases, preventing tick bites, insect repellent use, and other prevention strategies can be found at www.DutchessNY.gov/BeTickFree or www.cdc.gov/Ticks.
