Out of 3,500 entries received, Waikoloa Elementary student Emily Lathrop received top honors in her age category for drawing a picture of how she stays healthy by playing sports with her sister. (Photo courtesy of Aloha Care)

MEDIA RELEASE

After receiving and reviewing more than 3,500 entries, Aloha Care has selected Emily Lathrop of Waikoloa Elementary School as the top winner in her age category for Aloha Care’s statewide art contest.

Lathrop received first place in the 6 to 7 age group. Also recognized was Frank Vallente of Keaau Elementary who received third place in the 8 to 9 age category.

As a first place winner, Lathrop received $100 in cash, and also earned her teacher, Mrs. Lawson $100 too. As a third place finisher, Vallente also earned his teacher, Iwalani Harris $100.

The theme of this year’s contest for children ages 4-12 was “I Keep Healthy By ….”

The first place winners for each category were:

* Age 4-5 Category: Coral Turner of Kalaheo Elementary School, Oahu

* Age 6-7 Category: Emily Lathrop of Waikoloa School, Hawaii Island

* Age 8-9 Category: Lauren Croll of Maemae Elementary School, Oahu

* Age 10-12 Category: Brandon Nicholas Ramirez of Keoneula Elementary School, Oahu

“Each year, we receive more than 3,000 drawings from children throughout Hawaii, showing how they keep healthy,” said John McComas, Aloha Care Chief Executive Officer. “At Aloha Care, three out of five of our QUEST health plan members are children. The goal of our art contest is to encourage children to think about and develop healthy habits that they will carry with them through adulthood. Every year, we receive amazing artwork that sends a strong message to children and adults on what we can do to maintain good health.”

Aloha Care has held its statewide children’s art contest for the past 10 years. Each year, Aloha Care receives an average of 3,000 or more entries from private and public schools on all islands.

The first place winner from each age division received $100 in cash and the teachers whose students placed in the Top 12 category also received $100.

Aloha Care is a non-profit health plan founded in 1994 by Hawaii’s community health centers to serve some of Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations. With $200 million in annual revenue and nearly 200 employees located at offices on Oahu and the Big Island, Aloha Care is the 30th largest business in the state, providing health care coverage to nearly 75,000 members statewide.

— Find out more:
www.AlohaCare.org