08/25/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Calloway County Middle School Named One of America’s Healthiest Schools 2026
National award recognizes leaders in whole child health policy and practice change
(MURRAY, KENTUCKY) August 17, 2026 – National children’s health organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation today unveiled its 2026 list of America’s Healthiest Schools, celebrating 1,377 K–12 schools nationwide for their commitment to advancing whole child health, including Calloway County Middle School.
Supported by Del Monte Foods, Kaiser Permanente, and Kohl’s Cares, Healthier Generation’s annual award program recognizes schools for implementing evidence-based policies and practices to support academic success and lifelong well-being. Schools are recognized in nine health-related topic areas. Calloway County Middle School was awarded in Increasing Family & Community Engagement, Improving Nutrition & Food Access, Implementing Local School Wellness Policy, Bolstering Physical Education & Activity, Enriching Health Education, Promoting Tobacco-Free Schools and Supporting School Health Services.
“Being recognized as one of America's Healthiest Schools is a huge testament to the importance CCMS places in maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle,” says David Carmichael, principal of Calloway County Middle School. “As we continue to work with teachers, students, and community partners, we are committed to prioritizing healthy habits for all of our stakeholders and appreciate the partnership we have with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in providing initiative to help meet the needs of our students and faculty.” Carmichael also highlighted the work of former Laker physical education/health teacher Sydney Ward for her leadership in this initiative, as well as several other CCMS staff members, who collaborated on this initiative at the school level.
About Calloway County Middle School
Calloway County Middle School has historically been a leading school in the district, region, and state. It boasts an academic team that has won 17 regional Governor's Cup titles in 18 years, 18 consecutive district titles, and multiple top five finishes at the state level. The CCMS speech team has captured 23 consecutive regional championships in the Lakes Region of the Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL) and consistently finished among the top teams at the state level. The music program consistently scores top “distinguished” ratings consistently at their state performance assessment, and our robust athletic teams continue to impress, with our Lady Laker basketball team most recently clinching the district championship with an impressive 14-4 record, our track team breaking local and regional records in several events in the last two years, and multiple athletes in several programs being chosen for recognition at the district, regional, and state levels. The importance of healthy minds and bodies is paramount to maintaining this level of distinction as the school continues to move forward into the new academic year.
About Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Alliance for a Healthier Generation is a leading national nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable whole child health by creating healthier school environments. Since 2005, we’ve partnered with over 57,000 school communities across all 50 states, reaching more than 31.3 million young people. Learn more and join the movement at HealthierGeneration.org and/or see the full list of all recognized schools at healthiergeneration.org/AHS.
Working with schools, youth-serving organizations, and businesses, we’re building healthier communities that support children’s physical, social, and emotional health.
