The state has launched the Excellence in Wellness Awards for Hawaii schools that have reached high levels of achievement in meeting Department of Education wellness guidelines.

The awards were announced jointly by Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui and the state departments of Health and Education. Each school scored 90 percent or above on the state’s Safety and Wellness Survey in school year 2011-12.

“I commend these and other Hawaii schools for taking the important steps toward improving the health and wellness of our keiki,” Tsutsui said in a news release. “The wellness guidelines play a critical role in helping our students to be healthy and ready to learn. By setting standards for food and beverages provided to students, as well as goals for health and physical education along with activities that promote a healthy environment, we are setting our children on a path to making healthier choices as adults.”

All 50 schools will be eligible to apply for DOH grants of up to $8,000 per school to support implementation of wellness guidelines in school year 2013-14. A total of $160,000 will be available.

The DOE wellness guidelines include standards for foods and beverages provided to students, as well as goals for health education, physical education and other activities that support a healthy school environment, the state said in the press release. All public (non-charter) schools are expected to comply. The Safety and Wellness Survey, an annual online survey jointly administered by the DOH and the DOE to public school principals statewide, is used to monitor implementation of the guidelines.

The winners: Ahuimanu Elementary; Aiea Intermediate; Aliamanu Middle; Aliiolani Elementary; Benjamin Parker Elementary; Blanche Pope Elementary; Ernest Bowen de Silva Elementary; Gustave H. Webling Elementary; Hahaione Elementary; Heeia Elementary; Henry J. Kaiser High; Highlands Intermediate; Honowai Elementary; Horace Meek Hickam Elementary; Kaewai Elementary; Kalihi Uka Elementary; Kaneohe Elementary; Kanoelani Elementary; Kapolei Elementary; Kapunahala Elementary; Keaukaha Elementary; Keolu Elementary; Kaumualii Elementary; Liholiho Elementary; Lunalilo Elementary; Kipapa Elementary; Kohala Elementary; Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue; Laie Elementary; Linapuni Elementary; Manana Elementary; Mililani High; Mililani Mauka Elementary; Mililani Waena Elementary; Mountain View Elementary; Palisades Elementary; Pauoa Elementary; Pearl City Elementary; Pearl Harbor Elementary; Pearl Ridge Elementary; Prince David Kawananakoa Middle; Pukalani Elementary; Samuel K. Solomon Elementary; Samuel Wilder King Intermediate; Waiakea High; Waiakeawaena Elementary; Waiau Elementary; Waikiki Elementary; William McKinley High; William P. Jarrett Middle.