Named one of just 50 National Gold Ribbon Schools in the country

Tampa, FL (November 10, 2026) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to announce that Youth Service America (YSA) has named Walker Middle Magnet School a 2026 National Gold Ribbon School in Service-Learning, one of just 50 K-12 schools nationwide.

The national recognition celebrates schools that have created a strong culture of service-learning and community-engaged learning, empowering students to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact in their communities.

“This recognition is a tremendous reflection of the students, educators and families who make Walker such a special place,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Our students are learning that their voices matter and that they can make a difference right now. Service-learning takes what happens in the classroom and connects it to the real world, building leadership, responsibility and compassion along the way. We are incredibly proud to see Walker recognized among the best schools in the nation for this work.”

Schools were selected based on a national survey examining the prevalence and quality of youth service and community participation. Criteria included student participation in service-learning, opportunities provided by schools, teacher training and classroom integration, student voice and leadership, and implementation of nationally recognized service-learning practices.

For HCPS, the honor also reflects a broader commitment to preparing students to become engaged citizens and leaders who understand the importance of contributing to their communities.

Youth Service America works to make service and civic engagement a common experience for young people. Its programs engage youth in finding their voices, taking action, and building civic and 21st-century skills while addressing challenges facing their communities.

The full list of the 2026 honorees is available at https://ysa.org/schools/