Alliance for a Healthier Generation (AHG), one of the nation’s preeminent children’s health organizations, recently announced America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2022-2023 school year: 781 schools across 36 states, the greatest number of awardees since the program’s inception. Supported by Harmony SEL at National University, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s, this recognition honors schools for their achievements in advancing the physical, mental, and social-emotional health of students, staff, and families.
Two Cobb middle schools were included in the 781 nationwide and recognized for their amazing efforts to implement best practices in these nine topic areas:
• Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning
• Cultivating Staff Well-Being
• Increasing Family & Community Engagement
• Improving Nutrition & Food Access
• Implementing Local School Wellness Policy
• Bolstering Physical Education & Activity
• Enriching Health Education
• Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools
• Supporting School Health Services
Griffin Middle School was an All-Star winner last year, and Palmer Middle School also received recognition from AHG in 2022. Griffin excelled in eight of the nine categories this year, and Palmer excelled in five. These Cobb Schools winners were two of only eight schools recognized in the entire state of Georgia!
“We’re honored to receive this national recognition for our dedication to supporting our students for health and wellness yet again this year,” said Griffin Wellness Committee Chair and Physical Education teacher Adam Mullis. “I am so thankful to work at a school with staff that is committed to student success. Students need support in so many areas, health and wellness included!”
“I am so excited for the students and staff at Palmer Middle to be recognized as one of America’s Healthiest Schools!” said Palmer Principal Shannon Kiger. “I appreciate the hard work of our Palmer Safety and Wellness Action Team, led by Eric Martin. They helped to get everyone on board in some wonderful activities, including the Staff Walking Challenge and the Student Heart Challenge Soccer and Basketball Tournament.”
Well done, Griffin and Palmer! Your commitment to health and safety for your students and staff is remarkable and worthy of this recognition. Keep up the great work!
More about the America’s Healthiest School program
Healthier Generation’s signature recognition program honors schools’ extraordinary efforts to advance the cycle of achievement in whole child health equity for students, staff, and families while grappling with pandemic-related learning loss, high rates of vaping and nicotine addiction, a youth mental health crisis, and other challenges. As honorees of the recognition program, schools reinforce their central role as powerful agents of impact and change for their community.
“Today, we invite the nation to join us in thanking America’s Healthiest Schools for their commitment to prioritizing the health of their students, staff, communities, and families,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation. “In these challenging times, these awardees are a testament to the critical role schools play in establishing whole health as foundational and essential to learning environments—so that all children may thrive.”
On Oct. 13 and 14, Healthier Generation will gather school representatives in Washington, D.C., for the America’s Healthiest Schools Leaders Summit to honor awardees and this year’s Corporate Hero, Kohl’s, for prioritizing the whole health needs of staff and students. More than 450 teachers, administrators, and thought leaders in health will come together to network, share best practices, and recognize the achievements of these distinguished schools.
America’s Healthiest Schools is one of the country’s longest-running nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in supporting the whole health needs of students and school staff.
