Hillsborough Schools Aim to Become Healthiest in the Nation

Students are on a mission to make Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), located in Tampa, Florida, one of the healthiest districts in the nation. With support from Melissa Erickson at Alliance for Public Schools, HCPS celebrated two high schools being recognized as America’s Healthiest Schools in 2025 and aims to increase that number in future award cycles.

Students are leading this effort through an innovative program called EmpowerED Students: Healthier Schools, which hosted a kickoff summit in March. The GradNation Community Summit was joined by staff from Healthier Generation and Alliance for Public Schools. In the coming months, the program, sponsored by Florida Blue and Tampa Bay Thrives, will develop health initiatives based on America’s Healthiest Schools recognition criteria. 

Participants will learn how prioritizing well-being can help them become better student leaders. “I have seen firsthand the remarkable insights that student leaders bring to the table. They are acutely aware of the changes needed to improve their school experience,” says Superintendent Van Ayres, who was once a student in the district he leads today.

Why America’s Healthiest Schools?

HCPS students are using the America’s Healthiest Schools application process to identify strengths in school health and set goals for the future. Superintendent Ayres explains, “The framework around the nine [America’s Healthiest Schools] topic areas will enable them to identify where to focus their efforts first. Once these areas are identified, students can utilize targeted tools provided by Healthier Generation to kickstart their initiatives more efficiently.” 

For students, a successful application is a lasting legacy that they can be proud of. “If my school got recognized as an America’s Healthiest School, I would feel complete,” says student Kendall A. “[In] my time at Hillsborough High School, I've only been hoping to leave my legacy to make it better for the people to come after me.” Malachi B., a student at Middleton High School, says, “[Receiving] America's Healthiest School awards would mean that we have created an environment that cultivates prosperity in our school culture.” 

“An award like this would be so awesome because it would show that the work me and my peers do is noticed and is creating a culture of change in our school.” – Tate H., Middleton High School student

Students Know What a Healthy School Feels Like

Many HCPS students express pride in healthy relationships, and the ways their schools foster student  well-being. “We have a good community that supports each other,” says Middleton student Adreana B. Tate H. adds, “What's so healthy about our school is the inclusivity. People of all races, incomes, and backgrounds all mix and learn how to lift each other up.”

“The best thing at my school is that everyone feels like they know everyone, and we can express ourselves without being judged by others.” – Nathan C., Robinson High School student

Students recognize that physical health support is also critical to a thriving school culture. Órlaith K., a student at Newsome High School, is proud of her school’s food services: “Something healthy about my school would be the meals and nutrition. Students can get breakfast and lunch at my school, and there are lots of options that aren't just tasty, but healthy too.” Student Ben T. credits the staff with creating a healthy environment: “The coaches at Riverview High School are some of the best in the district, and in my opinion, the state. Our faculty, staff, and administration also strive for a healthy environment, and therefore give a positive vibe to not only the students, but their colleagues as well.”

HCPS staff involve students in decision-making, from gathering feedback to determining how to put feedback into action. At King High School, for instance, “students had significant input on the design features” of the Wellness Room, says Principal Gregory Basham. And at Brandon High School, a student group leads well-being initiatives in four areas: academic, physical, mental, and spiritual. Principal Jeremy Klein (now at Gaither High School) is especially proud of how this group has “developed and led a peer-to-peer mentoring program and has just completed a collaboration to design our new Eagle's Nest Student Wellness room.” 

Creating Opportunities for Students to Lead

When asked how schools and districts can support student-led wellness initiatives, Superintendent Ayres said, “Listen to your students and empower them to lead. Students know firsthand what they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Creating spaces where they feel heard—whether through advisory councils, focus groups, or leadership teams — allows them to take ownership of their education and well-being.” 

In Hillsborough County, students from multiple schools can participate in such initiatives, including the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC). “The district gives me opportunities such as the SSAC [and GradNation] to practice leadership skills and have my voice be heard,” says Órlaith K. “My school has also allowed me to grow as a leader by giving me multiple leadership positions and chances to showcase my skills.” Kendall A. adds, “My district helps me and other students grow as leaders by giving us opportunities to stand up and rise. The beauty is that with all of these opportunities, it gives people a chance to help others grow together as leaders, too.” 

HCPS recognizes and celebrates the power of students’ voices. Ben T. explains, “Riverview High School encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities and to have a strong ‘student’ voice. A student voice can be anything from commenting on one's idea for a project to making a speech to a club about a particular event or activity. Your student voice can help you grow and become a leader in everything you do, and if you happen to have a strong student voice, not only will students look up to you for help, but your work will not go unnoticed by the faculty and administration.” 

Just Do It, Get Started

For schools that want to build a culture of student leadership, Principal Basham advises: “Just do it. Get started. Have your staff select students to be on a leadership council, not just your Student Government Association, but a council that includes students who may be reluctant learners or have attendance concerns, so you have a cross-section of your student population. This is important if you want adjustments or changes to be authentic and improve the educational experience for all learners.” 

When it comes to growing student leadership, the community can play a role. Principal Klein explains how a community school model and caring partners have energized their student-led culture: “Partnerships are key in fostering everything in education, including school wellness. My ‘Staffulty’ (staff and faculty) is amazing, but there are so many needs that our students have. Having a community school framework that includes academics, mental and physical wellness, family and community engagement, and shared leadership with many on staff, community partners, and students themselves taking ownership of the work is essential.”

America’s Healthiest Schools is an annual award. The 2026 award application will open in January. Information about the 2026 application will be announced in Fall 2025. 

Have questions about America’s Healthiest Schools? Call 888-543-4584, book a chat, or email our Member Engagement & Support Team.

-By Kohleun Adamson