The "Young Minds. Big Impact." program is open to all private and public elementary (K-5) teachers and classrooms in the Antigo, Wausau and D.C. Everest school districts. We're looking for great stories - enthusiastic students sharing what they've learned in the classroom and how they've utilized that knowledge to do something for someone or something in the community. Be creative, be convincing and have fun. Here's how you can qualify for the "Young Minds. Big Impact." program:

1. Write an essay.

a. Less than one page in length.

b. Judging is based on the message. Let the children tell their story - demonstrate what they have learned and what they did outside the classroom. (see specific examples at the bottom of this page)

c. Students are not to be personally identified. Please reference only the teacher and classroom; for example, Ms. Doe's Third Grade Classroom.

2. Go to www.dovoranyortho.com/youngmindsbigimpact to complete registration:

a. Teacher's name *

b. Teacher's email *

c. Classroom

d. School

e. Essay *

f. Photos

* Denotes required fields

3. Submitted essays qualify for the entire academic year.

a. There is no limit to the number of essays that can be submitted per class per academic year.

b. Each classroom can only win two times per academic year.

Examples:

These are only examples. Feel free to think outside the box and have fun.

Classroom A studies Martin Luther King Jr, then composes a "We Have a Dream Speech" which they read over the school loudspeaker and submit to the local newspaper. The classroom then collects school supplies for children in need to help them make their dreams come true by excelling in school.

Classroom B studies Wisconsin biomes and learns that maple trees are migrating north due to global warming. They take a field trip to a classmate's Sugar Shack and review data from the past years to see if this area has been affected. They create "Save the Maple Trees" posters that encourage students to bring reusable water bottles and lunch boxes to school to cut down on the school's carbon footprint and reduce global warming.

Classroom C is studying the human body and learns about the benefits of fresh vegetables. With help from their teacher and parent volunteers, they create miniature potted vegetable gardens and create a raised vegetable bed on the grounds of the school. The vegetables are used in the school kitchen for lunch hour and to provide healthy afternoon snacks.

Classroom D, after learning about the Vietnam War, starts a Veteran's Day letter-writing campaign thanking veterans for their efforts. The art teacher assists students in making clay photo frames that are distributed to veterans via the local VA hospital.

Classroom E learns about the efforts of women during World War II. They create a Rosie the Riveter-inspired cover for an oral history book consisting of their interviews with local women during the World War II era.

Classroom F starts a "No Trash Tuesday" initiative after reading about landfills.