The Shapiro administration invites first- through sixth-grade students in Pennsylvania to enter the 2025 Lyme disease student art contest by creating a short video or poster focusing on the theme “Protect. Check. Remove,” according to a news release Jan. 23.

“The annual contest helps students, Scout troops and community youth programs learn how to prevent Lyme disease by educating them about ticks, including where they live, how to prevent bites and how to remove ticks that do bite,” according to the news release. “Officials from the departments of health, education, environmental protection and conservation and natural resources encourage young students to participate in the contest and help raise awareness about how Pennsylvanians can protect themselves from Lyme disease.”

According to authorities, Pennsylvania has one of the highest annual counts of Lyme disease cases in the United States, which further emphasizes the importance of teaching children about tick awareness and prevention measures.

“Through the contest, we provide students information on how ticks transmit disease, steps to prevent tick bites, how to remove ticks if found on the body and how to seek timely medical treatment when needed to protect against Lyme and other tickborne illnesses,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said in the news release.

“Since ticks carrying Lyme disease can be found in every county across Pennsylvania, it’s inspiring to see young people taking an active role in raising awareness to help fight tick bites and prevent these illnesses,” DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said.

The deadline to enter is March 14. Further details can be found on the Department of Health’s website, pa.gov/agencies/health.

Finalists will be notified by mail and invited to a ceremony in Harrisburg in May.