MHA Announces Winners in Childrens' Art Competition
to Honor Health Care Providers

Elkridge, MD - Four Maryland children were awarded top prizes in the, "My Health Care Provider is a Hero," competition that was sponsored by the Maryland Hospital Association (MHA). The competition is part of a celebration recognizing Maryland health care providers during Hospital Week (May 8-14).

Children between the ages of 9 and 12 were asked to draw a picture and write a few sentences about a health care worker who cared for them. The children picked up crayons, markers and colored pencils to show appreciation through art for nurses, doctors, x-ray technicians, radiologists, and a chaplain.

"Health care providers are the cornerstone of our hospitals and our communities," said Cal Pierson, president of MHA. "I believe the childrens' sentiments and drawings mirror the gratitude we all feel for their hard work and devotion to quality health care."

Press Release

Age 9

Ages 10-12
Winners:
  1. Keely Houk of Cockeysville who praised Dr. David Tunkel of Johns Hopkins for treating her ear ache.

  2. Charles W. "Chaz" Morris of Abell who was inspired by his doctor at St. Mary's Hospital and wrote, "If I decide not to be a NASCAR driver when I grow up, I think I would like to be a cool doctor like Dr. Ahmed Heshmat."
 Winners:
  1. Danielle Marie Poole age 10 of Jefferson won the top prize in the age 10 - 12 category. Expressing her gratitude to her physician, Dr. Paul Sponseller of Johns Hopkins, Danielle stated, "He told my nurses the medicine I needed and how much I needed to take my pain away."

  2. Morgan Eichensehr age 10 of Finksburg chose Dr. Joseph Wiley of Sinai Hospital as her hero. Morgan who won second prize in the age 10-12 catgory said, "Whenever I was scared about the needles or medicines he always had a way of making me smile."
Other Entries: (  indicates Honorable Mention)

Anna Leigh Spielman age 8

Ashley Long age 9

Brendan Wright age 9

Brittany Battista age 9

Dallas Culotta age 9

Danielle Brittingham age 9

Danielle Cullen age 9

Dylan Merrill age 9

Jennifer Horner age 9

Katie Barcikowski age 9

Lauren McCoy age 9

Megan Noble age 9

Priscilla Szurley age 9

Shelby Paige Bozman age 9

Tyler Widdowson age 9

William Keaser age 9

Alexis Swift age 10

Artez Collins age 11

Breiana Pride age 10

Brielle Fitchett age 10

Charles Johnson age 10

Donald Ford age 11

Hunter Kimbrough age 11

Jordan Rayfield age 10

Laney Kathleen Rosdail age 12

Maranda & Ganae Williams age 11

Respe Andre age 10

Shakeela Johnson-Braxton age 12

Victoria Glover age 10