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From left to Right: Dr. Tracey Benson, Wendy Gordon, Mayor Michael Newhard, and Sterling Ta’Bon, MSPH

[LIBERTY, NY] – Four Sullivan County schools are gearing up to welcome a panel of esteemed judges as the 2025 Empowering a Healthier Generation Competition concludes. This competition is part of Sullivan 180’s countywide school wellness initiative; and celebrates student and staff efforts to make health and wellness a central part of school and community life. Awards will be announced at the Empowering a Healthier Generation Celebration at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on September 24, 2025.

The competing schools Eldred Junior Senior High School, Livingston Manor Middle/High School (now part of the Rockland Central School District), and Monticello's George L. Cooke Elementary and Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary Schools will each host the judges on-site to showcase their wellness efforts. Judges will meet with school representatives, tour the buildings, and observe Healthier Generation Competition Grant projects in action before determining the winning school and awarding additional funding to support continued wellness initiatives.

Meet the Judges: The panel of judges is made of professionals from diverse backgrounds who will bring unique perspectives to the experience.

Dr. Tracy Benson is the Founder and former Executive Director of the Waters Center for Systems Thinking and is a nationally respected consultant and coach in systems thinking. With over 25 years in PreK–20 education, including roles as a teacher, administrator, instructional leader, and published author her career has focused on building capacity for transformational change in schools and organizations alike.

Wendy Gordon is an Environmental Health scientist and social entrepreneur who co-founded PIPs (Positive Impact Points) Rewards to help students earn incentives for positive impact actions. A former senior scientist at the National Resource Defense Council and co-creator of The Green Guide, Gordon serves on several national nonprofit boards and remains committed to youth empowerment and sustainability. Her work has had international reach, including partnerships with global organizations to promote environmental education and social impact worldwide.

Mayor Michael Newhard, Mayor of Warwick, NY since 2001, is recognized for leading award-winning community revitalization efforts and promoting small business, public art, and inclusive public spaces. Newhard has championed projects that enhanced quality of life and inclusivity. Under his leadership, Warwick has earned national attention for beautification, infrastructure improvement, and community engagement. He was also a long-standing judge with Sullivan Renaissance.

Sterling Ta’Bon, MSPH is a Healthy Schools Manager at Cairn Guidance, a consulting business with expertise in adult learning and training, health education, school health and public health. Ta’Bon is a passionate public health professional with experience in mental health, epidemiology, and youth leadership. He manages national projects on depression and anxiety curriculum, and systems change, while also running a local youth leadership program in Sumter, SC, where he was named a Top 20 Under 40 professionals.

"We are thrilled to welcome this esteemed panel of judges to Sullivan County,” said Meaghan Mullally-Gorr, Sullivan 180 Director of Health and Wellness. “Their diverse expertise and fresh perspectives not only bring excitement to the competition but also offer a valuable opportunity to strengthen the Empowering a Healthier Generation Program and help our schools grow their impact on student and community wellness."

As the judges prepare to visit, the competing schools are ready to showcase the innovative and inspiring ways they’ve made health a priority for students, staff, and their broader communities.