SECAUCUS, N.J. (May 8, 2026) — The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey (Partnership), in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), announced the winning submissions for the 14th annual Protect Me With 3+ vaccine awareness contest during an awards ceremony at the RWJ Conference Center in Hamilton Township last night.
The evening featured health trivia, a photo booth, and opportunities for students across the state to connect. The top three students in each category received awards and prizes and can take pride in knowing their work is helping New Jersey stay healthy through vaccine education. The Partnership and NJDOH will also feature the winning submissions in public health campaigns throughout the state. View the winning creations here.
“We are truly inspired by the creativity of the talented students who participated in this year’s contest. Their dedication to vaccine education, awareness, and advocacy helps further our mission of changing the paradigm in maternal and child health by empowering all families to thrive,” said Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, MA, BSN, President & CEO of the Partnership.
The annual contest tasked New Jersey students in grades 5-12 with harnessing their artistic expression to create a poster (hand-drawn or digitally created) or video that amplifies the importance of vaccinations in public health. Educators, school nurses, and parents encouraged and facilitated student submissions highlighting one of the following vaccines: COVID-19, Flu, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal ACWY (Men-ACWY), and Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap). Students from across New Jersey submitted their innovative artwork to display their creativity and commitment to vaccine awareness.
“By using their talents to highlight the importance of immunizations, these inspiring students are not only educating their peers but also strengthening the health and future of communities across New Jersey,” said Dr. Tina Tan, State Epidemiologist and Assistant Commissioner of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, New Jersey Department of Health.
A panel of judges comprising representatives from the American Society for Meningitis Prevention, Atlantic Health Pediatrics, the Cumberland County Department of Health, Families Fighting Flu, Immunize Colorado, the Partnership, Rutgers Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Rutgers Office of Population Health, Rutgers School of Communications and Information, and Rutgers School of Pharmacy has narrowed the submissions to a select group of finalists. The public chose last night’s winners during an online voting period that fostered strong community engagement. The Partnership is grateful for the public’s support of our student participants and for helping choose this year’s winning submissions.
This year’s winners include:
Grades 5-8
Poster Contest Winners
- 1st place: Gabriella Rossow, Howell Middle School South
- 2nd place: Erin Wang, Central Regional Middle School
- 3rd place: Anishka Suhas, Warren Middle School
Honorable mentions:
- Roxi Estrada Juarez, Achievers Early College Prep
- Inaya Ghanny
Video Contest Winners
1st place: Shreya Jariwala
Grades 9-12
Poster Contest Winners
- 1st place: Samantha Gettler, Scotch Plains Fanwood HS
- 2nd place: Lara Alhanakta, PCTI Stem Academy
- 3rd place: Juliana Azzaretto, Marlboro High School
Honorable mentions:
- Mahrukh Farooq, Noor ul Iman School
- Iris Pascual, Indian Hills High School
Video Contest Winners
- 1st place: Alexis Lezhansky and Ruth Andrawes, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- 2nd place: Siya Modi and Emily Kong, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- 3rd place: Jenna Sharin and Kaitlyn H. Ng, Academy of Allied Health and Science
Honorable mentions:
- Catherine Copeland, Academy of Allied Health and Science
- Ryleigh Guba and Sara Wisk, Academy of Allied Health and Science
Congratulations to the winners, finalists, and all who participated in this year’s Protect Me With 3+ contest. Learn more and view all winning submissions here.
About the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
The Partnership is changing the paradigm in maternal health by amplifying, supporting, and empowering our communities. The organization firmly believes all people must have access to safe respectful births and every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Partnership serves nearly 50,000 people annually through 30 community programs that support pregnancy and parenthood, empower communities, and advocate for quality healthcare.
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit organization that was formed as a merger of three maternal and child health consortia in 2012. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Partnership is the lead planning agency for maternal and child health services in Northern New Jersey. Learn more at pmch.org.
Visit NJDOH’s website to learn more about vaccines.