Honorees will receive:

• Recognition at the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit, the state’s largest gathering of school
  mental health innovators and leaders, which will take place October 5-6, 2023, in Des
  Moines, Iowa
• Feature highlighting their award-worthy work
• Plaque and a $250 monetary award

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:

• April 5 – May 26, 2023: Nominations are open
• May 29 – June 30, 2023: Awards Committee reviews nominations
• June 30 – August 15, 2023: Nominators, nominees, and awardees notified
• October 6, 2023: Awards presentation at the 2023 Iowa BEST Summit

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? What innovative ideas have they brought forth? How have they been a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration for school-based mental health?) Max 1000 words

2. Outline the goals, activities conducted, and outcomes of the nominee’s efforts. 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 has the nominee set out to achieve with their efforts around school mental health? What evidence-based actions and best practices has the nominee taken or implemented to champion school-based mental health? What impact has the nominee’s efforts had on people, policies, or programs?) 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.