Two Society of State Leaders Members Recognized by the American School Health Association in Denver, CO 2025 Awards Ceremony

The Society proudly celebrates two of our members whose leadership and lifelong commitment to advancing school health have been honored by the American School Health Association (ASHA) through its 2025 Awards Program at the 99th Annual ASHA conference in Denver, Colorado.

Please join us in congratulating William “Bill” Datema, recipient of ASHA’s William A. Howe Award, the organization’s highest honor and Jodi Parker, named one of ASHA’s School Health Professionals of the Year.

Bill’s visionary leadership, scholarship, and mentorship have shaped national conversations on school health and health education for decades. His recognition by ASHA reflects a lifetime dedicated to ensuring schools are places of wellness, learning, and belonging for all children. Bill has been a Society member for many years, was a former Executive Director of the Society, and currently chairs the Honors and Awards Committee.

Jodi’s work embodies the power of collaboration and compassion in school health to bring the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to life. Through her dedication to creating supportive, inclusive environments, she exemplifies the heart of The Society’s mission: to champion healthy habits, build supportive communities, and ignite passion for student well-being. Jodi has been a Society member for 8 years and is President-Elect. She also supports the Professional Development Committee.

Together, Bill and Jodi represent the best of our field, translating vision into action and impact that resonates in every classroom, every community, and every student they touch. Please join us in congratulating these two Society members. You can visit with them at the Society’s next Connect & Collaborate event on November 19, 2025.

Learn more about ASHA’s 2025 Award recipients at ashaweb.org/awards