“Young Minds. Big Impact.” is a program established by the team at Dovorany Orthodontics to recognize and reward elementary students (K-5) and teachers for using what they learn in the classroom and applying it to “doing good” for others. We believe that taking this knowledge outside of the classroom to benefit others in the community is an important life lesson. It shows children that no matter how young they are, no matter how “small” — they can make a big impact on those around them. It rewards them for their everyday efforts in the classroom and for caring about the community.

Each and every day, you convey important academic and life lessons to the children in your classroom. And the children enrich your life with enthusiastic “why” or “how” questions that expand everyone’s understanding. Frequently, what children learn in the classroom is utilized to improve our world — be it the school itself, the community at large, or the environment. This is evident every time we walk down your halls and see, for example, signs encouraging students to bring their own reusable water bottles, or when we donate a few dollars to the class so our children can make blankets for Shriner hospitals, or when a science unit on earthquakes leads children to donate to the children of Haiti.

As parents themselves, John Dovorany and the team at Dovorany Orthodontics know from personal experience that much of what goes on in the classroom goes unheralded. And they’d like to change that.

All we ask is that you and your class write an essay and share it with us. Judging will be based on the message that the essay conveys. It should tell their story and demonstrate what they have learned and what they did outside the classroom.

In return, twice a year we’ll select a classroom for the “Young Minds. Big Impact.” award. The selected classroom and teacher will receive $500 to be spent in a manner they see fit — be it to purchase supplies, have a pizza and bowling party, or go on an adventure. It’s yours to do with as you and your students please.

In addition, the winning classroom and teacher will be recognized on local and cable television stations. The purpose of this television spot is to honor the students and teacher by showcasing their efforts to the community at large. As an example, a photo or video clip of the winning classroom will be featured with the  “Young Minds. Big Impact.” title and logo.  The accompanying voiceover may state, “The team at Dovorany Orthodontics honors Mrs. Doe’s kindergarten class for…[classroom/community project and essay highlighted here].” The selected classroom’s essay and television spot will also be included on Dr. Dovorany’s Facebook page and website page: www.dovoranyortho.com/youngmindsbigimpact.

The teacher of the winning classroom will be notified when the essay is posted so students and their families can access and share it with others. The teacher will also be provided with a schedule of the aired TV spots.

Thank you in advance for sharing your accomplishments — and those of your students — with us. And our sincerest gratitude for everything you do day-in and day-out to educate our children, expand their minds, and teach them to be giving, caring members of the community.