Cherry Hill students win Harbor Hospital essay contest
by Jenny Wierschem
Students at three Cherry Hill schools had a pretty strong incentive to think about their health: Harbor Hospital’s “What can I do to stay healthy?” essay contest was awarding monetary prizes. Two first place winners in the contest, which took place at the end of March into April, received $1,000 U.S. savings bonds. Two runners-up each received $500 U.S. savings bonds. Separate awards were given for middle schoolers and high schoolers. More than 200 students participated from New Era Academy, Arundel Elementary/Middle and Carter G. Woodson Elementary/Middle.
The contest was sponsored by Harbor Hospital and the Harbor Hospital Foundation with support from the Cherry Hill Learning Zone and Baltimore City Public Schools.
“This was about helping the students to think about their own health and well-being and to recognize that in front of their peers,” says Jean Bunker, assistant vice president of marketing and community relations at Harbor Hospital.
The first place winners of the contest were Samantha Youngblood, a student at New Era Academy, and Shakearra Richardson, a student at Arundel Middle. Runners-up were Stephen Harlee of New Era Academy and Mayia Mackey, a student at Carter G. Woodson.
The decision to not extend the contest to elementary-level students was a conscious one on the part of contest organizers.
“We didn’t think the younger ones are really in charge of their health at that point,” says Bunker. “It’s the middle school and high school students where we want them to be aware of their lifestyle and risk factors.”
Each of the four students found out they had won through suprise ceremonies. Shaekearra Richardson found out she had won at an assembly where four students were asked to read their essays and she was announced as the winner. Mayia Mackey found out through an announcement over her school’s loudspeaker. Samantha Youngblood and Stephen Harlee each found out during New Era’s morning line-up.
All participating students received a bookbag, and in true hospital style, a small pump bottle of hand sanitizer.
Samantha Youngblood
New Era Academy- Junior
First place winner- $1,000 U.S. savings bond
“In October of 2004, my mother, Joycelyn Youngblood, died of heart disease…After learning the cause of her death, I vowed to prevent myself from getting the same disease. I was determined to get healthy and stay healthy…This is so important to me because my mother died of one of the leading diseases of women today…Heart disease is something my family in particular goes through…Being healthy to me means no more deaths in the family and no more pain weighing down many people’s hearts. Because if I am alive, well and happy, I am able to stay strong for my family.”
Stephen Harlee
New Era Academy- Senior
Runner up- $500 U.S. savings bond
“The human body is a truly magnificent machine…but like all machines, the human body needs constant care and proper maintenance in order to stay in top condition. Without that maintenance and care, the human body cannot and will not last as long as it potentially can, proof of why being healthy is the most important job of every human being.”
Shakearra Richardson
Arundel Elementary/Middle- Grade 7
Winner- $1,000 U.S. savings bond
“I can keep a healthy attitude because many times negative feelings affect your health and weight. Sometimes, people overeat or do not eat when they are upset. If something is bothering me, I keep a journal and write down my thoughts. I also call my best friend and talk it out with her.”
Mayia Mackey
Carter G. Woodson Elementary/Middle- Grade 8
Runner up- $500 U.S. savings bond
“Another way to stay healthy is to live a healthy life. For instance, build a happy and healthy relationship with your family and others. This will make you a role model.”
