MONTEREY COUNTY — Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands (GHGH) has been recognized with the 2025 Excellence in Education Award by the Monterey County School Boards Association (MCSBA).
The honor was presented at MCSBA’s Annual Dinner and Organizational Meeting, held on May 1 at Hartnell Community College in Salinas.
GHGH was selected from among 40 nominees submitted by school districts across Monterey County. The program stood out for its transformative work empowering youth through health education, leadership development and advocacy, particularly among girls ages 8-18 in South Monterey County and throughout the region.
“Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands is a powerful example of what happens when a community invests in young women and gives them the tools, confidence and platform to lead. Their work has inspired thousands of girls across Monterey County, and we are proud to honor them with the 2025 Excellence in Education Award,” said Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Deneen Guss. “They are building the next generation of leaders who are informed, compassionate and unafraid to advocate for a better future.”
Operated as a Signature Program of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County and originally founded by the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, GHGH delivers comprehensive health education and leadership experiences to hundreds of local girls each year. Its programming includes mentorship, advocacy training and access to physical, emotional and social wellness resources.
The program’s flagship initiative, the Girls’ Leadership Network, is a girl-led group that fosters youth-led advocacy and community engagement. Another cornerstone is the GHGH Annual Summit, a space designed by and for girls to explore self-care, identity, wellness and confidence-building.
“Receiving the Excellence in Education Award is an incredible honor for our team, and a meaningful affirmation of the work we do every day to uplift girls across Monterey County,” said Marlene Trotter-Murray, senior impact director of BGCMC. “This recognition is in honor of all the girls we have served over the years and the dedication of our staff who believe in empowering girls to be informed leaders, engaged community members and be their authentic selves.”
The MCSBA award highlights GHGH’s collaboration with local schools and its commitment to addressing unmet student needs across the county.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands with this year’s Excellence in Education Award,” said MCSBA President David Gaboni. “Through their transformational programming, they are not only empowering girls but also advancing community wellness and equity across our county.”
The Excellence in Education Award recognizes programs that are accessible to students countywide and demonstrate a significant, lasting impact on student life. Recipients must show a strong commitment to innovation, student engagement and addressing critical gaps in education and well-being.
