ASHEVILLE -- Vladimir Zalakov, 12, a fifth grader from CC Bell Elementary School, was named state winner of the fifth-grade category for the national `Fight the Bite' poster contest.
Zalakov received a cash prize. His poster is on display at www.fightthebitecontest.org and will be shared with public health educators and teachers nationwide for inclusion in educational materials.
Sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the DEET Education Program, the annual contest invites fifth- and sixth-grade students to create posters that encourage children and adults to help protect against mosquito and tick bites and the diseases they can cause.
``The best way to combat ticks and mosquitoes is through education and awareness,'' said Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton in a statement. ``The knowledge and skill that Mr. Zalakov has shown is remarkable. The purpose of this contest was to encourage students to think creatively about ways to educate their peers about ticks, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. One student can have a lasting impact, so it is important to cultivate a desire to learn as displayed in the Fight the Bite Poster Contest.''