The Tennessee Department of Education’s Division of Coordinated School Health has announced that Hawkins County Director of Schools Matt Hixson has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2025-26 School Health Champion/Director of Schools Award.
This award honors exceptional district leaders who advocate tirelessly for the integration of health and well-being into academics. It recognizes superintendents who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the whole child, understanding that healthy students are better prepared to learn and succeed.
Director Hixson is one of only three finalists selected from across the state for this honor. The finalists are:
Matt Hixson, Director of Schools, Hawkins County Schools
Mike Garren, Director of Schools, Loudon County Schools
Dr. Catherine Stephens, Director of Schools, Tullahoma City Schools
"We are incredibly proud to see Director Hixson recognized for his dedication to our students' well-being," said Erika Phillips, "His leadership ensures that we are not just teaching students, but caring for their physical, social, and emotional needs through the eight components of Coordinated School Health."
The winner will be announced at the 19th Annual TDOE Coordinated School Health Institute on March 5, 2026.Director Matt Hixson Named Finalist 2025-26 for School Health Champion/Director of Schools Award