The Mayor's Health & Well-Being Council (MHWC) of Austin has just spotlighted the cream of the crop in local school health and wellness initiatives. In a ceremony that took place at City Hall, MHWC announced thirty-two schools designated as MHWC Exemplary Schools, winners of the Mayor’s Healthiest Schools Awards, as well as welcoming three faith-based organizations into their wellness fold. This annual accolade honors those who have gone the extra mile in fostering environments that prioritize health and well-being.
Among the highlights, the Mayor’s Healthiest Schools Award, which looks for schools with top-notch physical education and smart nutrition policies, was granted to Parmer Lane Elementary and Kelly Lane Middle School, both hailing from Pflugerville ISD, and each received $1,000. While it'd be easy to hand out kudos, literally, the council also recognized faith communities for their partnerships. New to the party this year are St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, and Friends Meeting of Austin.
The District Changemaker Award, a prize of $400, was awarded to Rodriguez ES, Smith ES, and Copperfield ES for their role in inspiring district-wide wellness innovations. The Positive Pulse Award, recognizing those schools responsible for lasting health impact, didn't carry with it a cash reward, but went to Baty ES and Blackshear ES. According to the ceremony details, these awards celebrate the measurable strides these schools have made in physical activity, mental health, nutrition, and tobacco-free living initiatives.
All said and done, 32 schools received recognition as MHWC Exemplary Schools this year. In a statement released by the City of Austin official press release, the council celebrates these schools for leading the way with comprehensive policies and programming in physical activity, mental health, nutrition, tobacco-free living, and more. The MHWC, established in 2004, partners with the City of Austin and Austin Public Health to nudge schools, workplaces, and faith organizations towards better health through evidence-based practices. For those after more details on the MHWC's mission and programs, be sure to check out mhwcaustin.org.
