event

It is our hope that young people will discover that their voices, creative expressions, and activism can have a positive impact on their individual and our collective health.

Reflection in Action contest entry materials are made available to schools, after-school programs and community agencies in the fall. Students are encouraged to be creative as they develop an understanding of how our actions can help build healthy communities. Winners are selected by a group of “local celebrity” judges from such distinguished institutions as Boston Public Schools , the Boston Public Health Commission, Cambridge Health Alliance, the Christian Science Monitor, the Massachusetts College of Art, Harvard University , and Harvard Medical School .

On the day of the event, students from Boston and Cambridge in grades 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th travel to Harvard Medical School. In the morning, the first, second and third place winners in each category (visual, written and performing arts) are announced and the first-place winners in each category will perform their winning entry to the large audience of students, teachers and parents. Winners receive cash prizes and certificates, and all of the visual entries are displayed for attendees and the medical school community to appreciate. Students also participate in a “Health Bowl,” a Jeopardy-like game, which tests their knowledge of health issues in their community. Following lunch, students attend a Health Fair. Students who tour the Health Fair become eligible to participate in a drawing which can include tickets to a number of Boston museums and sporting events.

The April 15, 2008 event included a full day of activities. For details, please review the 2008 agenda. 2009 agenda will be available soon.

Students and teachers from Boston and Cambridge schools are invited to come as a class or as representatives of several classes from their schools.

Students who enter the contest are invited to attend the April event . They must be Boston or Cambridge residents in order to be eligible to enter. Students may submit entries through their schools, their after-school programs, their churches, or any other community agency.

Every student who attends must come with a teacher or a chaperone.