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, Virginia

 

• Laure Dejeant, Parent, Celebration K-8, Celebration, Florida

 

• Angie Ellis, PE Teacher, Washington K-1 Elementary School, Tiffin, Ohio

 

• Deborah Feinsinger, Teacher, Palm Beach County Schools, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

 

 

• Michelle Selb-Sack, Parent, Otter Lake Elementary School, White Bear Lake, Minnesota

 

• Rachel Silber, Parent, Hollywood Hills High School, Hollywood, Florida

 

• Jonathan Vasquez, Superintendent, Los Nietos School District, Whittier, California

 

• Scott Williams, PE Teacher, Meriwether Lewis Elementary School, Charlottesville, Virginia

 

• Wendy Woodland, Principal, West Jefferson Elementary School, Bailey, Colorado 

 

“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. 

About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids® is a nationwide grassroots network mobilizing school professionals, families and communities to take actions that improve school foods, nutrition education and physical education for all students. With funding opportunities, expert technical assistance and our flagship program, Game On, Action for Healthy Kids provides full support to schools and families to develop healthy school environments where children thrive. To learn more about the ways our 130,000+ volunteer network is helping to make every kid healthy, active and ready to learn, visit us at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook (act4healthykids) and on Twitter (@Act4HlthyKids).