Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration recognized 27 students today who submitted entries to the 2025 “Protect. Check. Remove.” Lyme Disease Student Art Competition that promotes awareness of the prevalence of ticks and encourages people to take simple steps before safely enjoying the great outdoors.
The event included leaders from the Departments of Health (DOH), Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Environmental Protection (DEP).
“The contest is part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases. It’s a creative opportunity for students and their families to learn how to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease,” said Department of Health Special Advisor Dr. Robert Bonacci. “Spending time outdoors and enjoying nature is one of the best ways to stay healthy and have fun, and knowing how to do so safely is important.”
In addition to the art contest, and to better inform Pennsylvanians about tickborne diseases, the Department of Health hosts an online dashboard so the public can see where tickborne diseases are prevalent, providing information so Pennsylvanians can take appropriate precautions while enjoying outdoor activities.
The Lyme Disease Awareness Student Art Competition is an educational initiative that teaches children about where ticks are found, how to prevent tick bites, and the symptoms of Lyme disease.
More than 230 students in first through sixth grades across the Commonwealth submitted posters and videos to the Department of Health in March 2025.
The winning artwork will serve as a testament to the creativity of Pennsylvania’s students and will be on display in the Pennsylvania State Capitol in the East Wing outside the Senate Fountain Area through the end of May.
“Pennsylvania’s great outdoors are some of the greatest in the nation, and we want to encourage people to get out and enjoy them while being smart when it comes to protecting yourself from ticks and Lyme disease,” said DEP Policy Director High Garst. “DEP’s Tick Surveillance program helps monitor tick populations throughout the Commonwealth, and we’re so happy to celebrate all of the winners of this year’s Lyme Disease Awareness Student Art Competition to raise awareness of how to protect yourself and your family from ticks and tickborne illnesses.”
“DCNR recognizes that getting outside can come with risks including exposure to ticks and Lyme disease and we understand that the best way to promote safe outdoor recreation is through education and personal protective equipment,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Executive Policy Specialist Ali Bowling. “Raising awareness through this competition is a fun and creative way to engage all Pennsylvanians, especially our younger generations about this important public health issue. Thank you to the participants and partners for promoting Lyme disease awareness.”
A total of 12 posters and six video submissions were selected from the following grades:
First and second grade winners:
· 1st place: Anwitha Ajith, Chester County
· 2nd place: Anavi Tiwari, Washington County
· 3rd place: Malorie Spiece, Columbia County
· Honorable mention: Novalee Andrzejczak, Erie County
Third and fourth grade winners:
· 1st place: Valkyrie Lindberg, Berks County
· 2nd place: Sanchari Roy, Chester County
· 3rd place: Macy Schirf, Cambria County
· Honorable mention: Harper Layman, Erie County
Fifth and sixth grade winners:
· 1st place: Beckett Blouir, Greene County
· 2nd place: Landon Pinkerton, Butler County
· 3rd place: Hailey Courtwright, Greene County
· Honorable mention: Blake Schirf, Cambria County
Video contest participants:
· Allegheny County: Segin Meyers
· Armstrong County: Orion Kennedy
· Beaver County: Preston Deal
· Carbon County: Micah McGrath, Abby Guth, Lydia Zink
· Lancaster County: Lily Doty
· Luzerne County: Lily Benson, Adrian Jacquet, Harley Ankner, Alexis Bonham, Chloe McDaniels, Julianna Morio, Gianna Pericci, Jalissa Shortz, Aaryn Bezdzieck
Pennsylvania typically ranks in the top 10 in the country for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Ticks are found in urban and rural settings, usually in shrubs, weeds, leaf litter, and tall grasses, but they can be found anywhere there is foliage. So, taking the proper steps to decrease the chances of getting bitten is important.
TIPS FOR TICK PREVENTION
When outside, cover exposed skin, wear light colors to help detect ticks, and use insect repellent that is EPA-approved for tick prevention. Before spending time outdoors, spray permethrin on shoes, clothes, and gear.
After being outside, check yourself, your kids, and your pets thoroughly for ticks and remove any attached. Then, shower to help remove any ticks that are not yet attached that you may have missed. You can also throw your clothes in the dryer using high heat to help kill any remaining ticks.
The Shapiro Administration reminds Pennsylvanians of the health benefits of safely enjoying the outdoors, including:
· Improving cardiovascular health;
· Strengthening muscles and bones;
· Reducing chances of suffering chronic diseases;
· Reducing stress levels and improving mental health; and
· Becoming more socially connected.
For more information on Lyme disease, visit the Department of Health’s Tickborne Diseases webpage.
Editor’s Note: Video downloads and photos from the news conference are available on PAcast.
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