Ed “Papa Duck” Bolden (center) presents a check for a $200 classroom grant to James Foster Elementary School teacher Shauna Booth (left) with principal Dr. Deborah Bohn in attendance. Booth was the winning teacher in Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers’ annual rubber ducky school essay and poster contest.

The Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers have announced the winners of the “Stay Healthy!” creative essay writing and poster contest from the 11th Annual Rubber Ducky Festival, held Oct. 5. Students from throughout the Santa Clarita Valley participated in the contest.

One winner from each participating school was selected from a panel of judges to receive a commemorative certificate.

Participating teachers were entered into a random drawing to receive a $200 classroom grant. Mrs. Shauna Booth, teacher at James Foster Elementary School in the Saugus Union School District, was selected to receive the grant.

“Stay Healthy!” Essay and Poster Contest Winners

James Foster Elementary School

5th Grade Essay Contest Winner is Grace Fitzgerald, teacher Mrs. Angalet

3rd Grade Essay Contest Winner is Sami Stadlander, teacher is Mrs. Smith

5th Grade Poster Contest Winner is Madison Giannini, teacher is Mrs. Angalet

Live Oak Elementary School

3rd Grade Poster Winner is Madeleine Miles, teacher is Mrs. Getzelman

Sky Blue Mesa Elementary School

3nd Grade Essay Contest Winner is Audrey Bernabe, teacher is Mrs. Magon

2nd Grade Essay Contest Winner is Ryan Bernabe, teacher is Mrs. Terracciano

The annual Rubber Ducky Festival, also known as the Rubber Ducky Regatta, is SDFHC’s signature fundraising event providing patient care funding throughout the year. This year’s event raised more than $80,000 with all proceeds going toward patient care at SDFHC, which offers affordable, quality primary health care for residents of the Santa Clarita Valley. SDFHC makes a special effort to serve the uninsured and underinsured.

SDFHC operates three health centers in the Santa Clarita Valley – Canyon Country Health Center, Val Verde Health Center, and Newhall Health Center – as well as outreach sites at College of the Canyons and California Institute of the Arts. SDFHC offers a full range of health care services – physicals, immunizations and vaccines, screenings and diagnostic tests, well baby care, and family planning. Patients pay based on their income.

About Samuel Dixon Family Health Centers Inc.

SDFHC was established in 1980 and named for long-time Val Verde resident and minister, the late Reverend Samuel Dixon.  As the only non-profit health center founded and based in the Santa Clarita Valley, SDFHC serves the greater Santa Clarita Valley and is governed by a board of directors, all of whom are Santa Clarita residents. The mission of SDFHC is to enhance wellness by providing quality primary health care services and health education to unserved and underserved residents, with a special emphasis on serving the uninsured. Easily accessible services are available for the entire family in both English and Spanish. Medi-Cal, Blue Cross and Healthy Families are all accepted, and a sliding fee scale is offered, keeping health care affordable for all. SDFHC is supported by countless individuals as well as corporate sponsors who help make affordable health care possible. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome. Health services are available at the Val Verde Health Center (661-257-4008), the Canyon Country Health Center (661-424-1220) and the Newhall Health Center (661-291-1777). www.sdfhc.org