2015 Bookmark and Essay Contest Winners

Our education department held its annual bookmark and essay competition last month. This year’s theme was “Why do pets need veterinary care?” We had a total of 433 bookmark and 16 essay entries! Our judges had a tough job in picking the top three in each category. The top three winners of each category were invited to the Central California SPCA for a special recognition ceremony and tour of the shelter. Award prizes consisted of certificates, medals and the following:

1st Place: $100 in Barnes & Noble and PetsMart gift cards
2nd Place: $75 in Barnes and Noble and PetsMart gift cards
3rd Place: $50 in Barnes and Noble and PetsMart gift card

1st Place: Haley Molloy, 8th grade - Alta Sierra Intermediate School - Clovis

2nd Place: Sid Minocha, 8th grade - Alta Sierra Intermediate School - Clovis

3rd Place: Leslie Biscay, 8th grade - Howard Elementary - Madera

The winning essay entry by Haley Molloy reads:

Pets are very important to the human society. They keep people entertained in ways that you wouldn’t imagine. If pets didn’t get the care they needed from special people like veterinarians, then they wouldn’t be able to be there for people. Pets should always have routine checkups to better their care and to keep them from any future illnesses. Ear infections, upset stomachs and intestinal inflammation and commonly reported for both dogs and cats. Vets are able to help with these common illnesses. People should take their pets yearly to receive veterinary care. In fact, nearly 90 percent of dog owners and 75 percent of cat owners indicated that routine check ups and preventive care are either very or somewhat important. Studies also show that about a quarter of all pets don’t get all their heartworm doses, leaving room for infestation. Pets need care just like humans need care. People go to check-ups yearly for similar reasons just like any pet should. Pets need vets because veterinarians help our animals remain healthy.

The winners of the bookmark contest are as follows:

1st Place: Jonathan Ramirez, 6th grade - Washington Academic Middle School - Sanger

2nd Place: Tania Quezada, 5th grade - Manchester GATE - Fresno

3rd Place: Stevi Nazaroff, 3rd grade - Bullard Talent Elementary - Fresno

The winning bookmark entry is as follows:

Congratulations to all the winners and thank you for all the educators and schools that participated in this contest.