CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Delta Dental has announced that 55 elementary schools from across the state were selected to receive “Water’s Cool @ School” grants to replace an existing water fountain with a new Elkay bottle filling station to celebrate its 55th anniversary.
Three elementary schools in Clarksville were awarded: Barkers Mill Elementary, Byrns Darden Elementary, and St. Bethlehem Elementary, according to a press release sent from Delta Dental of Tennessee
Delta Dental launched the grant program last year to educate students on the benefits of drinking more water.
“Thank you to all of the schools that applied for a Water’s Cool @ School grant. We were so impressed by the creativity of the video and art projects that accompanied many submissions,” said Dr. Phil Wenk, CEO, and president of Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Especially at a time when so many traditional water fountains are closed to prevent the spread of germs, I’m glad we can help make drinking water both ‘cool’ and more accessible to students across the state. It’s one of the best things you can do for your health, at any age.”
In addition to the Elkay bottle filling stations, all grant recipients will receive toothbrushes for students, faculty and staff, the release said.
As part of the “Water’s Cool @ School” program, Delta Dental will release educational materials online in February to coincide with National Children’s Dental Health Month. Designed for elementary school audiences, these materials will include activity sheets, sugar demonstrations, games, posters, and more.
Additionally, because of the strong interest in the “Water’s Cool @ School” grants, Delta Dental will be awarding additional grants for bottle filling stations to Tennessee elementary schools in Fall 2021, according to the release. More information about this new round of grants will be shared over the summer.
To learn more about Delta Dental’s philanthropic work across Tennessee, visit the Smile180 Foundation website.