Celebrating Shining Examples of School Mental Health
This program celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to cultivating a positive mental health culture within an Iowa PreK-12 school, district, or AEA.
This award honors an educator, school staff member, or practitioner for their defining contribution to school mental health in Iowa.
This individual has demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to expanding, promoting, and strengthening mental health and wellness supports within their school, district, or organization resulting in positive outcomes. The recipient of this award has been instrumental in helping students, educators, and/or school staff reach a heightened level of well-being (e.g., physical, mental, spiritual, and behavioral).
To qualify for this award, nominees must be employed by one of Iowa’s PreK-12 schools, school districts, or AEAs during the 2024-25 school year.
This award tributes a visionary youth leader who lends their voice and talents to advancing mental health awareness and initiatives. This student’s efforts have influenced decision-makers or policymakers to expand mental health supports within their school, district, region, or state.
To qualify for this award, nominees must be enrolled in one of Iowa’s PreK-12 schools during the 2024-25 school year.
Honorees will receive:
A committee comprised of leading researchers, practitioners, and school mental health experts will evaluate the nomination packages and select the awardees according to the below timeline:
Nominators will need to provide testimonials and specific examples about the nominee’s impact, including:
1. Why is the nominee deserving of this award? (e.g., What leadership skills and qualities do they possess? How have they been a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration for school-based mental health?) Max 1000 words
2. Provide at least 3-5 specific examples of their efforts and dedication to cultivating or promoting a positive mental health culture within an Iowa PreK-12 school, district, or AEA. (e.g., What goals have they set out to achieve around school mental health? What innovative ideas have they brought forth? What evidence-based actions and best practices has the nominee taken or implemented to champion school-based mental health?) Max 1000 words
3. What impact has the nominee’s efforts had on people, policies, or programs? (e.g., What do colleagues, students, and community members have to say about their efforts and impact? Feel free to include quotes/testimonials. What results and outcomes has their work yielded?) Max 1000 words
Nominators are also encouraged to submit any supporting documentation (i.e., news articles, blog posts, photos, videos, reports, research, links, etc.) that showcases the nominee’s impact.
The 2024 call for nominations is now closed.
2024 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award
2024 Iowa School Mental Health Hero
2023 Iowa School Mental Health Hero
2023 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award
2022 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award
