BISD STRONG: It’s not just a motto with some muscle.

Instead, it’s the name of a new award that has been created by the Bainbridge Island School District to recognize its hardworking, kind and dedicated students and staff.

The BISD STRONG Award will be bestowed to those who exemplify the district’s guiding principles of STRONG MINDS, STRONG HEARTS, STRONG COMMUNITY.

“Each and every day people do amazing things in our district,” said Superintendent Peter Bang-Knudsen.

“The BISD STRONG Award allows us to honor those who make a difference in our schools and our district community,” he said. “From the kind-hearted seventh-grader who takes new students under her wing, to folks in our transportation department who greet bus riders with a smile, the district is strong because of the people who are a part of it.”

Winners of the BISD STRONG Award will be announced quarterly, and district officials are encouraging community members to nominate candidates by visiting www.bisd303.org and clicking on the nomination link on the homepage.

“This school year, the district started a movement that emphasizes strengthening the social and emotional health of our students and employees. The BISD STRONG Award is one avenue that allows people to be recognized and appreciated for who they are and what they do,” Bang-Knudsen said.

The first winners will be announced in November.