Artwork on Display in Highmark Window at Fifth Avenue Place

The Allegheny County Immunization Coalition, a group of 43 health organizations and educational institutions led by the Allegheny County Health Department, today announced the winners of its second annual “Community Immunity” student art contest.

The theme of this year’s contest, open to students in grades 9-12, was Don’t Let the Flu Get You Down:  Get Vaccinated…Stay Healthy…Have Fun.  It was intended to encourage influenza vaccinations not just for children but for individuals all across the lifespan.

The first place winner is Suphitsara Buttra, a 12^th grader at Serra Catholic High School.  Ms. Buttra and her school will each receive a $250 prize form the Immunization Coalition.

The second place winner is Gabrielle Cooksey, also a 12^th grader at Serra Catholic, and the third place winner is Nathan Doverspike, an 11^th grader at Highlands High School.

The winners were selected by a panel of judges with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and chosen from a group of 20 finalists.  Their artwork will be exhibited December 22 – January 5 in the Highmark window at Fifth Avenue Place, downtown Pittsburgh.  In addition, the artwork is displayed on the Health Department’s web site, www.achd.net.

Scholarships of $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000 will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners respectively should they enroll full-time at the Art Institute.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:    PHOTOS OF THE WINNERS AND THEIR ARTWORK CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE AT 412-578-8004.

Visit the Health Department's Web site.