For the past six years, the diagnostic imaging center Radiology Associates of Tallahassee has presented a special art contest for local kids.

Originated by Dr. Sergio Ginaldi who was a specialist at Radiology Associates, the contest has become a much-anticipated opportunity for art teachers and their students. Ginaldi passed away on Sept.5 and his colleagues are determined to continue the annual art contest in his memory. 

Though it began with a singular theme of healthy lungs, over the years, the contest has expanded to include depictions of many different versions of wellness. Cara Fowler, Chief Financial Officer of Radiology Associates shared, “we’ve decided, moving forward, to refer to the art contest as ‘Dr. Ginaldi’s Healthy Kids.’” 

This year, the theme was “Let’s Play,” a prompt encouraging students to compose images featuring their favorite activities. Though the 2020 contest kicked off during the height of the pandemic, that presented an opportunity to reinforce ways to stay safe and active during lockdown.

“This year some students did incorporate masks and social distancing in their designs which is great because it shows that while they’re out playing, they’re still keeping six feet apart,” said Fowler.

Once the artworks are completed, the art teachers submit a handful of the best ones to Radiology Associates for inclusion in a printed calendar. A panel of judges then selects 12 artworks to represent each month of the year and one to grace the cover of the calendar. This year, an additional artwork was selected as a memorial to Ginaldi.

The competition adds a sense of excitement for students and the teachers who are most appreciative of the influx of funding it provides for their programs. Fowler is proud that last year the contest generated $13,000 which was divided among the participating educators.

For educators like Judy Jecko, the liaison to Radiology Associates and art teacher at Gretchen Everhart School, it makes a big difference to the bottom line of her classroom budget. “We are fortunate to have a great community partner in Radiology Associates,” said Jecko.

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