HILLSBOROUGH: Youngsters’ essays earn aid for charities

   Two Hillsborough youngsters were chosen the winners of the fourth annual “Giving Smiles” program, which recognized youngsters for their charitable experiences.
   The essay contest, sponsored by Dr. Laurene Wolf , an orthodontist with offices at 205 Towne Centre Drive in Hillsborough, offered charitable donations and complimentary orthodontic treatment to children who submitted best essays about their charitable experiences.
   During February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month, children in kindergarten through 12th grade submitted a 500-word essay that describes their charitable involvement. After review by a committee of members of the educational community, three essays were selected.
   A reception was held May 28 to announce the recipients.
   Winner Jonathan Coder of Hillsborough earned a $1,000 donation to Alzheimer’s Association and a complimentary orthodontic treatment by Dr. Wolf.
   Runnerup Katie Heck of Hillsborough got a $750 donation for the Millstone Valley Fire Department.
   Third-placer Anthony Quesada of Piscataway earned a $500 donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
   Margaret VonSchilling, one of the judges and a teacher in Montgomery, praised the students for their altruism. She also charged them to get others involved in community service and volunteering.
   Dr. Wolf said the program was established to recognize young people who are giving back to the community. The essays discussed large-scale projects and small acts of kindness and charity. The common thread is that they all are making a difference in the lives of individuals and in the community.
   A goal of the program is to inspire others to get involved and give back to the community as these young people have done.
   Dr. Wolf is the past president of the Central New Jersey Dental Society, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists.