Clarkston School District is proud to announce that Donna Franklin, Director of Health Services, has been named the recipient of Cairn Guidance’s 2025 School Health Leadership Award. This national honor recognizes exceptional leaders who prioritize the health and well-being of students and staff while advancing systems and practices that link health and education.
Franklin’s collaborative and visionary leadership has helped transform the district’s approach to student wellness. Working alongside a dedicated team of staff and community partners, she has guided the implementation of barrier-removing strategies that promote student engagement and emotional well-being.
Donna Franklin
Under Franklin’s leadership, and through strong collaboration with local healthcare providers and community organizations, the district has expanded access to student health resources. A key accomplishment includes the creation of a Wellness Center at Clarkston High School, where students can take a brief mental health break, re-center, and return to class ready to learn. Together with district and community partners, Franklin helped secure funding for a District School-Based Health Center. This milestone will further enhance the district’s ability to support students’ physical and mental health needs.
Students have reported that the wellness supports have made a meaningful difference. One student shared, “Being able to use a Wellness Pass when I need a mental break has been a big deal. I can now self-refer to the Wellness Center to calm down before an outburst or episode happens in class.”
Franklin’s work has made a lasting impact across the Clarkston community. Cairn Guidance, a national organization that supports schools and communities in creating healthier learning environments, recognized Franklin for her commitment to equity, innovation, and the belief that every student deserves access to care and connection. You can learn more about Cairn Guidance’s work and see their full feature on Donna Franklin on their blog and website, where they highlight how they support school health leaders across the country.
Clarkston School District is extremely proud of Donna’s achievements and her leadership in building strong partnerships that support student wellness. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition of her exceptional leadership and service.
