As part of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital’s Centennial Celebration, local elementary students in grades 1-3 across Dundee and Penn Yan, took part in a coloring contest encouraging students to showcase their creativity while honoring the hospital’s role in the community. Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital Auxiliary selected a third grader at Emmanuel Baptist Academy, Madison Farag, as the winner of the contest. Madison’s artwork was selected for its creativity, and she has won a pizza party for her classmates, generously sponsored by Cam’s Pizzeria in Penn Yan. Madison’s winning coloring page will be on display at the Penn Yan library for the entire month of November, allowing the community to enjoy Madison’s artwork and to celebrate the creativity of young student artists. All submitted artwork will be on display in Peppermint Parlor, off the main lobby of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital, through the end of November.
Madison’s parents, Pastor Samuel and Mrs. Mercy Farag, of Bethel Baptist Church (Gorham, NY), expressed their gratitude to Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital for its commitment to community outreach and for engaging local children in this Centennial project. “We’re grateful to the hospital for all their hard work and dedication to our community. This project has been a wonderful way to help kids understand the value of community and having a community hospital,” shared Pastor Samuel. Mercy Farag added, “We’re so proud of Madison and all that made it possible for the hospital to reach 100 years. We’re grateful Madison could use her God-given love of art and win her classmates a pizza party too.”
Reflecting on the importance of including a children’s project in the Centennial events, Lauren LaGreca, Administrative Assistant and Donor Associate in the Foundation office shared, “This contest was a meaningful addition to our Centennial celebration because it focused on community in a way that kids could understand. While we hosted many family-friendly events like a pancake breakfast and chicken barbecue, this contest was designed just for the kids, was hands-on, and free to participate. We want the younger generation to feel connected to the role the hospital plays in the community and know they are part of its legacy.” Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital extends heartfelt thanks to all students, parents, and teachers who supported the contest, making this a memorable occasion for the entire community.
