Illinois School Health Association

The Blue Ribbon Award, for health education, was developed over the last two years as a joint effort between Illinois School Health Association and Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. The award was developed using guidelines established by the Illinois Learning Standards, the Illinois School Code, and the National Health Education Standards. The Blue Ribbon Award, will recognize high quality high school health programs in Illinois. All public, private/parochial and alternative schools are eligible to apply. Application to the program is voluntary.

In order to qualify for the award, applicants will need to complete a self-study of their schools health curriculum. Applicants will need to review their curriculum’s goals and objectives, content, and instructional strategies. The completed self-study is then submitted to the Blue Ribbon Committee for further review. If your school is in compliance with Blue Ribbon standards, a team from the Illinois School Health Association and the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance will come out to visit the school for a more in-depth look at the program. If your school is selected as a Blue Ribbon School, recognition will be given by both the Illinois School Health Association and the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance at their respective conferences. Plaques and banners will be awarded to the Blue Ribbon schools with health education programs that qualify for the award. The schools will also have the opportunity to give a presentation at ISHA/IAHPERD state conference to highlight their programs.
If you are interested in applying for this prestigious award – applications are due by March 1st. This will be an annual award, so if you don’t make the March 1st deadline, your school can always apply next year. For applications and criteria, contact:

Or call Marcia Berke at 773-775-6616 x560 or Millie Shepich
at 630-375-3560.

The Blue Ribbon Committee is also looking for qualified candidates
to become evaluators. Some of the requirements are a Master’s
Degree and a certification in health education. CPDUs will also
be given to those interested in becoming an evaluator.

Application for the Blue Ribbon Award and Blue Ribbon Evaluator in .pdf format.