Orthodontist gives money to charity for best essays
Essay contest offered charitable donations and complimentary orthodontic treatment to children who submitted best essays about their charitable experiences.
Two Hillsborough youngsters have won prizes in Hillsborough orthodontist Dr. Laurene Wolf’s fifth annual essay “Giving Smiles” program, an opportunity for children and teens to be recognized for their charitable experiences.
During February, which is National Children’s Dental Health Month, children in kindergarten through 12th grade were eligible to submit a 500-word essay that describes their charitable involvement. A committee of educators selected three winning essays.
A reception was held May 28 to announce the winners.
First place went to Kamilla Deak, 13, from Somerset. She gained a $500 donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and $500 to the Humane Society of U.S., as well as complimentary orthodontic treatment by Dr. Wolf.
Second place went to Jessica Tallman, 14, of Hillsborough. Her efforts will bring a $750 donation to Ride4Erik, a group that supports families affected by pediatric cancer.
Third place went to Amanda Schimmel, bringing a $500 donation to SAVE Animal Shelter in Princeton.
Margaret VonSchilling, an essay judge and a teacher in Montgomery School District, 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 as a way to recognize young people who are giving back to the community. The essays discussed large-scale projects and small acts of kindness and charity. A main goal is to inspire others to get involved and give back to the community.
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.