A Berks County student is among the winners of the 2025 “Protect. Check. Remove.” Lyme Disease Student Art Competition, an annual contest aimed at raising awareness about tickborne illnesses and promoting outdoor safety in Pennsylvania.
Valkyrie Lindberg, representing Berks County, earned first place in the third and fourth grade category for their creative entry. Lindberg’s artwork highlights the importance of preventing tick bites and raises awareness about Lyme disease, which continues to be a significant public health concern across the Commonwealth.
The competition, organized by the Pennsylvania Departments of Health, Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Environmental Protection (DEP), recognized a total of 27 students this year. More than 230 students in grades one through six submitted posters and videos in March, all focused on educating the public about the dangers of ticks and how to prevent Lyme disease.
“The contest is part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases. It’s a creative opportunity for students and their families to learn how to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease,” said Department of Health Special Advisor Dr. Robert Bonacci.
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for Lyme disease cases per 100,000 residents. Tick prevention remains a priority, especially as warmer weather encourages outdoor activities. To support public education, the Department of Health maintains an online dashboard showing the prevalence of tickborne diseases across the state.
The winning student artworks are currently on display in the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing, outside the Senate Fountain Area, through the end of May.
“Raising awareness through this competition is a fun and creative way to engage all Pennsylvanians, especially our younger generations, about this important public health issue,” said DCNR Executive Policy Specialist Ali Bowling.
For more information about Lyme disease prevention, residents can visit the Department of Health’s Tickborne Diseases webpage.