RECOGNITION – Winners of a fourth grade Safety Poster Contest were recently honored by the Safety Team at Monongahela Valley Hospital.

Grand prize went to Johnalyn Wyne of Central Elementary School in the Frazier School District and the first prize to Johnna Matthews of Bentleyville Elementary in the Bentworth School District.

For her grand prize Johnalyn received a $100 savings bond. Her creative poster portrayed medical personnel checking for proper ID when entering the maternity area. Johnalyn said, “I wanted everyone to know that when visiting newborns and their mothers, the hospital staff should always know who can go in and see them and who can’t.”

Johnna received a $75 savings bond for her poster that visually described how medical staff should prevent the spread of germs by using caps, gowns and gloves. Johnna said, “I got the idea when I went to visit my uncle in the hospital. I noticed that the doctors were very careful when they worked on him.”

Both winners received trophies and a pizza party for each of their classes.

The participating students were asked to submit a drawing demonstrating what safety means to them. The theme of the contest, “Your Safety Matters”, was based on the philosophy that safety is important every day – from playing safely to working safely.

“It was the MVH Safety Team’s goal to teach the students how to develop safe behaviors at an early age and to build an excellent foundation from which to grow. Safe behaviors lead to safer communities and healthier lifestyles,” said Ruth Sepesky, MVH Safety Team Leader and Director of Rehabilitation Services.

“We believe there are no boundaries to where children’s minds can take them, which was why Monongahela Valley Hospital was so excited about this opportunity. The submissions were fabulous and the judges had a very tough decision choosing a winner,” she said.

Entries were judged based on creative ability and expression of the health care theme. While teacher involvement was important, the team wanted the student to depict his or her own ideas.

“We solicited fourth grade classes in our service area,” said Tom Cullen, MVH Safety Team Sponsor and Vice President. “We sent packets to the teachers that described the contest, what we wanted to accomplish and provided some ideas about how health care workers keep patients and themselves safe during the workday,” he said. “We also had contest packets available on our public website at www.monvalleyhospital.com.”

The Safety Team received more than 650 entries from area fourth grade elementary schools that included Bentleyville, Beth Center, Central, Charleroi, California, Donora, Gastonville, Marion, Mendon, Monongahela, Perry and Rostraver.