Resources
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.

Iowa School Mental Health Hero of the Month
Iowa's schools are filled with remarkable people making a difference in student mental health and well-being. We're proud to recognize these educators, staff members, AEA employees, and students who are creating positive change.
The Iowa School Mental Health Hero of the Month is a newly refreshed recognition series that highlights an Iowa educator, school staff, AEA staff, or K-12 student’s efforts to cultivate a positive mental health culture in their communities.
The series aims to spotlight individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to expanding, promoting, and strengthening mental health and well-being initiatives and programs.
Do you know someone who has helped students, educators, and/or school staff reach a heightened level of well-being (e.g., physical, mental, spiritual, and behavioral)?
Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis starting in May 2025, and awardees will be featured starting in the 2025-2026 academic year (September 2025 – May 2026.)
What Do Honorees Receive?
A personalized glass award
Scanlan Center ‘swag box’
A feature story on the Scanlan Center website
Special shoutouts in our monthly newsletter and across social/digital channels
How Do I Nominate?
Rolling nominations are accepted. Nominators will need to provide:
A short description of why the nominee is deserving of the recognition
3-5 specific examples of their efforts and dedication to cultivating a positive mental health culture
2 testimonials/quotes that speak to the impact the nominee has had
Iowa School Mental Health Awards
The Iowa School Mental Health Awards program served as the Scanlan Center’s premier award program from 2022-2024, honoring those working to cultivate a positive mental health culture in an Iowa PreK-12 school, district or AEA.
Seven awardees have been honored at our annual conference, previously known as the Iowa BEST Summit, with a video feature and in-person presentation of their award.
Winners were selected for the following categories: Iowa School Mental Health Hero, Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award, and School Wellness Warrior.
Learn more about each of our previous awardees on our Winner’s Wall.
Winners Wall

Rachel Dunnwald and Sydney Fischer
2024 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award

Natalie Nesbitt
2024 Iowa School Mental Health Hero

Michelle Edwards
2023 Iowa School Mental Health Hero

Rylee Lueken
2023 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award

Abbey Schley
2022 Mental Health Influencer of the Year Student Award

