For the third straight year, Wacona Elementary has been recognized as one of the healthiest schools in the country.
The national children’s health organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation included Wacona on its 2025 list of America’s Healthiest Schools, recognizing 1,120 K-12 schools across the country. Wacona, also honored in 2023 and 2024, was among Georgia schools to be cited for their dedication to supporting whole-child health.
“We’re incredibly thankful for this national recognition, which reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting the well-being of both students and staff,” Principal Jeri Ray said. “We strive to create an environment where every member of our school community, including students, staff, and families, can learn, grow, and thrive. I’m truly proud of my staff and deeply appreciative of their dedication and hard work at Wacona.”
Backed by partners Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares, Healthier Generation’s annual awards program honors schools that implement evidencebased policies and practices that promote academic achievement and lifelong well-being. Schools are recognized across nine health-focused topic areas.
Wacona received recognition in the following six topic areas: Strengthening Social-Emotional Health & Learning, Cultivating Staff Well-Being, Increasing Family & Community Engagement, Improving Nutrition & Food Access, Bolstering Physical Education & Activity, and Supporting School Health Services.
“Schools play a crucial role in positively shaping the health and well-being of our nation's youth, and they deserve national recognition for their outstanding efforts,” said Kathy Higgins, CEO of Healthier Generation. 'The dedication of school leaders, educators, and staff to support the physical, emotional, and academic needs of their students is nothing short of extraordinary.
“Their commitment is creating healthier futures for children and communities alike.” Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading national nonprofit organization focused on advancing equitable whole-child health.
The program is sup-porting the creation of healthier school environments. Since 2005, the program has worked alongside more than 57,000 school communities across all 50 states, reaching more than 31.3 million young people.
For more on the organization, visit Healthier- Generation.org.
