The Sunshine State School Public Relations Association (SUNSPRA) announced the 2012 Sunshine Medallion Award winners. The School District of Palm Beach County was awarded 1st place for the “Wellness Annual Report” entry for its “2010-2011 Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report”.

The purpose of the 5th edition Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Report was to continue building on the district’s wellness journey, which began six years ago. The Annual Report is comprised of six main areas: Introduction, Nutrition Education, Physical Activity, Other School Based Activities, Nutrition Standards, and United Resources all of which identify the direct correlation to the eight Coordinated School Health (CSH) components. Each contributor focused on “personal responsibility” as the core theme for the Annual Report. As all district employees (from academic to non-instructional) strive to accomplish one common goal of improving student performance holistically, many of them have taken on the additional demands of living and teaching a life rich in health and wellness into their own hands.

The Wellness Promotion Task Force was recognized for its exceptional work at a ceremony held at the Florida Association of School Administrators Summer Conference on June 13, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. A special thanks to the District's Wellness Promotion Task Force Chair, Steve Bonino who received this award on behalf of the District and the community.

The 2012 Sunshine Medallion Award was presented and recognized by the District’s Superintendent, Mr. E. Wayne Gent, and the School Board.

SUNSPRA announced its annual winners of the Sunshine Medallion awards in Tampa. All these three winners were recognized for their exceptional work at a ceremony held at the Florida Administrators Summer Conference in Tampa, Florida on July 13, 2012. The presentations were made at the opening session of the 2012 Florida Association of School Administrators by SUNSPRA's President Dylan Thomas (Orange County) and its President-elect Joe Landon (Collier County).

The School District of Palm Beach County received three awards: the District’s - 5th edition of the Wellness Promotion Policy (WPP) Annual Report, Palm Springs Middle School’s – “Stingrays Online” website and Okeeheelee Middle School’s – “Warrior Dad’s Program”.

Sunshine Medallion Awards are judged in two categories. In the Publications and Public Relations Tools Category the District's Wellness Promotion Task Force was recognized two years in a row for its entry of the “Wellness Promotion Policy Annual Reports”.

The WPP Annual Report reflects the efforts and the partnership between The School District of Palm Beach County and community partners who successfully collaborate in promoting healthier lives. With the District’s ultimate goal of improving student performance, the direction of the Wellness Promotion Task Force is to encourage a proactive approach to holistically address the health, wellness, and safety for all school children and staff, parents, and the community.

Two out of four "Best of Show" awards went to “Warrior Dads Program” by Okeeheelee Middle School for the Programs and Projects School-Based category and “Stingrays Online” by Palm Springs Middle School for the Publications and PR Tools School-Based category.