Mankato schools receive two National health education awards... given to only 12 schools across the country. The American Association for Health awards the Blue Apple award to schools with quality health education programs. Dakota Meadows Middle School, East Junior High and High School, and West high school this year were all honored with the award. Health/Physical Education teacher Gina Anderson says, "We are the only high school and middle school combination in the nation to receive both awards. So that's really just wonderful for our program."Teachers across the district have worked over 500 hours to develop and enhance programs that focus on physical and health education along with proper lunch planning and healthy decision making.