Action for Healthy Kids Announces 2017 Healthy School Hero Award Winners

Chicago, – PRNewswire-USNewswire –  Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) announces the 2017 Healthy School Hero Award winners, recognized for their work to improve health, nutrition and physical activity among students nationwide. Since 2004, AFHK has recognized educators, parents, health professionals and community leaders for their exceptional dedication and service towards the vision, mission and goals of AFHK—to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn – through volunteer work in their schools and communities.

This year's 12 winners were nominated by their peers as driving forces behind school wellness initiatives. They represent the many faces of individuals across the country helping to create healthier school environments for students today, from food service directors to PE teachers to principals and parent volunteers. The winners are:

  • Joshua Bain, Foodservice Manager, Corrigan-Camden Elementary School, Moscow, Texas
  • Sandy Bristow, Program Director, Fort Bend ISD, Katy, Texas
  • Carrie Coyner, School Board Member, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Chesterfield, Va.
  • Laure Dejeant, Parent, Celebration K-8, Celebration, Fla.
  • Angie Ellis, PE Teacher, Washington K-1 Elementary School, Tiffin, Ohio
  • Deborah Feinsinger, Teacher, Palm Beach County Schools, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
  • Becky Rinker, Parent, Curtisville Primary School, Gibsonia, Penn.
  • Michelle Selb-Sack, Parent, Otter Lake Elementary School, White Bear Lake, Minn.
  • Rachel Silber, Parent, Hollywood Hills High School, Hollywood, Fla.
  • Jonathan Vasquez, Superintendent, Los Nietos School District, Whittier, Calif.
  • Scott Williams, PE Teacher, Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Charlottesville, Va.
  • Wendy Woodland, Principal, West Jefferson Elementary School, Bailey, Colo.

"We are inspired by the thousands of committed and passionate volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty to help create healthier learning environments for the nation's 50 million students," said Rob Bisceglie, CEO of Action for Healthy Kids. "It is always difficult to choose the winners from so many outstanding nominees. These individuals are exemplary in their efforts to affect change in their schools and communities to ensure students are healthy and ready to learn each day."

Read the stories of this year's winners at ActionforHealthyKids.org/Heroes2017, and learn how to volunteer in your own school, apply for a grant, start a wellness program and create a healthier school environment at ActionforHealthyKids.org and ParentsforHealthyKids.org.

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • Hawaii Elementary School Reopens Following $25M Campus Modernization

    Haʻaheo Elementary School in Hilo, Hawaii, has reopened to students following a three-year, $25-million campus modernization and expansion project that significantly increases the school's instructional space while preserving one of the island's oldest educational institutions, according to local news.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.