The Health Trust announces winners of Essay Contest

Students from Cupertino, Mountain View, San Jose capture top honors

February 12, 2008 –  Four students from Santa Clara County have been named the winners of The Health Trust Essay Contest which challenged teens to describe how young people can help make Silicon Valley the healthiest region in America.

First place in the high school category was awarded to Vanessa Ing, a junior at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino.  Topping the entries from middle school students was Lauren Woo, an eighth grade student at Castilleja School.  She is a resident of Mountain View.

Second place awards went to Yesenia Friaz, a freshman at James Lick High School in San Jose, and Kenny Wong, a seventh grade student at Miller Middle School in San Jose.  All four of the winning essays are posted on The Health Trust website www.healthtrust.org.

“The enthusiastic response to this essay contest shows that young people are concerned about the health of the community,” said Frederick J. Ferrer, Chief Executive Officer of The Health Trust.  “All of the essays were impressive and contained thoughtful ideas.  We have serious health issues to address in this region, but engaging teens such as these in finding solutions so that more people can enjoy a healthier life gives hope for the future.”

The Health Trust received 269 entries from students in local middle and high schools.  The panel of judges included Walter Bortz, M.D., Ivonne Montes de Oca of The Health Trust Board of Trustees, Joe Pirzynski, a college advisement counselor and Los Gatos Councilmember, and Sal Pizarro of the Mercury News.

First place winners will each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and an Active Life Fun Pack with an Ipod and accessories.   Second place winners receive a $250 U.S. Savings Bond and the Active Life Fun Pack.

The Health Trust is a nonprofit foundation that provides grants, services and advocacy to support its vision of Silicon Valley as the healthiest region in America.  In January, The Health Trust announced a $30 million investment in three initiatives – Healthy Living, Healthy Aging, and Healthy Communities.  For more information, visit www.healthtrust.org.

Vanessa Ing - The Cycle of Health
Lauren Woo - Untitled
Yesenia Friaz - What It Means to be a Healthy Communiity Today
Kenny Wong - A Healthly Community

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