COVINA, CA – Manzanita Elementary School kindergartener Noah P. showcased his creativity and talent by earning a finalist spot in the SC Johnson Happy Hands contest, a national competition that emphasizes the importance of handwashing in schools.

The contest encourages students in grades K-12 to use their imagination by designing a custom soap dispenser to promote better handwashing. A committee of judges evaluated each submission based on visual appeal, overall design, creativity, and unique design elements and chose finalists from both K-5 and 6-12. The Grand Prize winner will be chosen through public voting, open from Saturday, Feb. 1 – Friday, Feb. 28.

“My drawing for the contest is about fighting germs off hands – it was easy-peasy to think of the idea,” Noah said. “I am happy to be a finalist because I really like drawing in my free time – usually dinosaurs.”

Yesenia Willison, Noah’s teacher, first came across the contest when she was doing research on how best to teach her students about the importance of washing their hands. She provided class time for each of her students to submit a design, and plans to continue participating in the contest and informing her fellow teachers about the opportunity for years to come.

“It has been such a euphoric feeling to see Noah be selected as a finalist and have his gifts and talents shine in this way,” Willison said. “He is such a bright and kind little boy, and he loves sharing his creativity with his friends. It has been so special to see him flourish.”

The contest winner will receive a $1,000 donation to their school, a $300 gift card for themselves, and up to 1,000 hand care dispensers featuring the student’s design to install at their school and others.

“We encourage everyone in our community to support Noah by voting for his submission this February,” Covina-Valley Unified Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Eminhizer said. “Watching our students achieve remarkable milestones is a source of pride for us all, and this achievement is a testament to the creativity and determination of our students in Covina-Valley Unified.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_NOAH1: Manzanita Elementary School kindergartener Noah P. showcased his creativity and talent by earning a finalist spot in the SC Johnson Happy Hands contest, a national competition that emphasizes the importance of handwashing in schools.

CVUSD_NOAH2: Manzanita Elementary School kindergartener Noah P. is a finalist in the SC Johnson Happy Hands contest, which encourages students in grades K-12 to use their imagination by designing a custom soap dispenser to promote better handwashing. The Grand Prize winner will be chosen through public voting, open from Saturday, Feb. 1 – Friday, Feb. 28.