GALION — Galion Intermediate School is one of 23 schools across Ohio that will soon have a new water fountains/bottle filling stations thanks to the Delta Dental Foundation.

“The Delta Dental Foundation is pleased to fund this program,” said Teri Battaglieri, Delta Dental Foundation director. “Water is critical to maintaining good oral health and when children choose water over sugar-sweetened beverages, they can reduce incidents of tooth decay, the most common chronic childhood illness in the U.S.”

Galion Intermediate was among the winners of the DDF’s $100,000 Rethink Your Drink: Water’s Cool at School program, designed to encourage children to drink more water during the school day.

“This will be an outstanding addition to our building for our students and staff,” said Alex Sharick, Intermediate School Principal. “The addition of receiving water bottles for our building’s students and staff is absolutely tremendous.”

As part of their prize package, Galion Intermediate School will also receive nearly 500 reusable water bottles for students and staff. The new equipment should be installed by the end of 2017.

“I want to thank the Delta Dental Foundation for developing this program and selecting the Galion Intermediate School as an award recipient,” said Jim Grubbs, Galion Superintendent. “This type of generosity is what allows us to enhance the educational environment for Galion students.”