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Nine Hoover City Schools Recognized as 2023 America’s Healthiest Schools

September 26, 2023

(Hoover, AL) – Nine (9) schools in the Hoover City Schools (HCS) District are among the 781 schools nationwide named America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2022-2023 school year. The recognition, awarded by Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation), a leading children’s health organization, honors schools’ dedication to supporting the health and well-being of students, staff, and families.

This recognition serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of the District in prioritizing the health and well-being of its educational community. The nine (9) schools honored for their exemplary commitment to health and wellness are:

  1. Berry Middle

  2. Bumpus Middle 

  3. Deer Valley Elementary

  4. Green Valley Elementary 

  5. Gwin Elementary

  6. Riverchase Elementary

  7. Rocky Ridge Elementary

  8. Shades Mountain Elementary

  9. South Shades Crest Elementary 

Hoover’s schools excelled and were recognized in eight (8) health categories, including:

  • Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning, co-presented in collaboration with Harmony SEL at National University and Kaiser Permanente

  • Cultivating Staff Well-Being, co-presented in collaboration with Harmony SEL at National University and Kaiser Permanente   

  • Increasing Family & Community Engagement, presented in collaboration with Kohl’s

  • Improving Nutrition & Food Access

  • Implementing Local School Wellness Policy 

  • Bolstering Physical Education & Activity

  • Enriching Health Education

  • Supporting School Health Services

Speaking on this remarkable achievement, Melinda Bonner, the Child Nutrition Program director, said, "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. In Hoover City Schools, we believe that the health and wellness of our students and staff are fundamental to creating an environment where learning can flourish. This honor is a testament to our entire school community's dedication and hard work.”

Bonner says District leaders will continue to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff and look forward to further collaborations with Healthier Generation in the ongoing journey toward better health. The nine Hoover schools selected for the recognition are praised for prioritizing healthy policies and practices amid numerous challenges facing schools today.

HCS Wellness Coordinator Becky Peterson said, “We’re honored to receive this national recognition for our schools’ dedication to supporting the well-being of students and staff and remaining steadfast in our commitment to fostering environments where all members of the school community can learn and thrive.”

America’s Healthiest Schools remains one of the country’s longest-running nationwide recognition programs honoring schools for achievements in supporting whole child health equity for students, teachers, and staff. Any school can connect with Healthier Generation to access training, resources, and technical assistance by visiting HealthierGeneration.org.

“This year, Healthier Generation continues to meet districts, schools, and educators where they are, recognizing it takes a considerable degree of effort to serve as a model of best practice in whole child health for students, teachers, staff, and community,” said Kathy Higgins, chief executive officer at Healthier Generation. “We commend America’s Healthiest Schools for demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid challenging times for our nation’s schools.” 

Visit HealthierGeneration.org/HealthiestSchools to view all 781 America’s Healthiest Schools for the 2022-2023 school year.