NEWARK, NJ (May 16, 2025) – The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey (Partnership), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), announced the winners of the 13th annual Protect Me With 3+ poster and video contest during an award ceremony last night.
This year’s campaign emphasized the importance of educating New Jersey communities about the health benefits of vaccination. The contest encourages students to express their creativity through art, highlighting the crucial role that vaccines play in protecting public health.
“We are grateful to the talented students whose creativity and commitment to educating communities about the importance of vaccines are inspiring positive change,” said Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, MA, BSN, President & CEO of the Partnership. “Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, educators, partner organizations, and families for making this year’s contest successful.”
To participate in the contest, middle and high school students throughout New Jersey created 8.5”x11” posters (hand-drawn and digitally created) and 30-second videos about the importance of one of the following vaccines: COVID-19; Flu; Human Papillomavirus (HPV); Meningococcal ACWY (Men-ACWY); and Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap).
“We sincerely thank all students, schools, and organizations who contributed to this year’s Protect Me With 3+ contest as we work to empower the next generation of trusted health communicators,” said Dr. Tina Tan, State Epidemiologist and NJDOH Assistant Commissioner. “The Department extends its warmest congratulations to all winners and participants and urges all those who are able to get vaccinated this season.”
All winners and finalists were honored at an awards ceremony and banquet held at the Robert Johnson Conference Center in Hamilton on May 15, 2025. The students and teachers were recognized for their achievements, enjoyed interactive games, and received special recognition certificates from Senator Andy Kim’s office.
The top three student winners in the poster and video categories received prizes. Their creations will be displayed at health and community education events statewide. View the winning creations here.
Grades 5-8
Poster Contest Winners
- 1st place: Sameer Sood, 5th grade, Hillside Intermediate School
- 2nd place: Tia Rebello, 8th grade, Robert Lazar Middle School
Video Contest Winner
- 1st place: Shreya Jariwala, 5th grade, Burnett Hill Elementary School
Grades 9-12
Poster Contest Winners
- 1st place: Fatima Mbayo & Nathalie Pena, 11th grade, PCTI Stem Academy
- 2nd place: Malissa Morabito & Emily Laudman, 12th grade, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
- 3rd place: Sami Savarese & Marylynne Giraldo, 11th grade, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
- Honorable mentions:
- Jason Lee, 11th grade, Jackson Liberty High School
- Sarah Kaplan, 12th grade, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
- Maria DiMaggio & Caitlin Bellistri, 12th grade, Scotch Plains Fanwood High School
Video Contest Winners
- 1st place: Sahana Kaylanaraman & Anjali Bodanki, 11th grade, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- 2nd place: Bridget Fang & Sophia Jiang, 11th grade, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- 3rd place: Michelle Shoykeht, 11th grade, Marlboro High School
- Honorable mentions:
- Jaya Picott & Leo Bridgewater, 12th grade, Mercer County Technical School
- Heather Pape, 11th grade, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- Meenakshi Viswanadha, Bhavitha Ravella, & Melanie Cantor, 11th grade, Academy of Allied Health and Science
Teachers with the most eligible classroom submissions in each category were also acknowledged for their outstanding leadership. Winning teachers and schools include:
- Melissa Lowenthal – Burnett Hill Elementary School
- Melissa Pitman – Academy of Allied Health and Sciences
- Dr. Tanya Vollenweider – PCTI Stem Academy
- William Werntz – Marlboro High School
About the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
The Partnership is changing the paradigm in maternal health by amplifying, supporting, and empowering our communities. The organization firmly believes all people must have access to safe respectful births and every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Partnership serves nearly 50,000 people annually through 30 community programs that support pregnancy & parenthood, empower communities, and advocate for quality healthcare.
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit organization that was formed as a merger of three maternal and child health consortia in 2012. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Partnership is the lead planning agency for maternal and child health services in Northern New Jersey. Learn more at www.pmch.org.
Visit NJDOH’s website to learn more about vaccines.