Harns Marsh Middle School in Lehigh Acres has earned a prestigious national honor that reflects years of dedication to their school community. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation recently named the school one of America's Healthiest Schools for 2025, recognizing their outstanding work in two critical areas: Cultivating Staff Well-Being and Supporting School Health Services.
Out of 1,119 schools nationwide that received this prestigious honor, Harns Marsh Middle School stands out for living up to their motto of "One Team, One Family". It turns out that taking care of each other isn't just a nice saying; it's a way of life that's making a real difference.
Every first Friday of the month, staff members gather for coffee, creating moments of connection that strengthen their bonds as colleagues and friends. It's these simple yet powerful gestures that help create an environment where teachers and staff feel genuinely valued. The school has also embraced mindfulness practices, providing staff with calendars and activities that support their mental and emotional well-being. When educators feel supported and cared for, that positive energy naturally flows to the students they serve.
But the caring doesn't stop with staff. Harns Marsh Middle School has worked diligently to ensure that students and families have access to comprehensive health services and information. The school's health services team goes above and beyond, communicating directly with families about medical needs and training staff to handle various health situations that may arise during the school day. This proactive approach ensures that every student can focus on learning, knowing their health and safety are in capable hands.
The recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the dedication of the entire school community. School leaders Brian Adams, Michael Garcia, and Allison Kerner have been instrumental in fostering these healthy practices, but the award truly belongs to everyone who contributes to the school's family atmosphere.
"We are extremely proud to be recognized for this award, especially in the categories of staff well-being and supporting our school health services," shared Assistant Principal Allison Kerner. "This award affirms our commitment to taking care of one another. Our school leadership stands by the belief that taking care of our teachers and staff is essential in order for them to care for our students."
Kathy Higgins, CEO of Alliance for a Healthier Generation, praised schools like Harns Marsh for their extraordinary commitment: "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."
For Harns Marsh Middle School, this national recognition validates what they've known all along: when you treat your school community like family, everyone thrives. It's a lesson that resonates far beyond the classroom walls.