A Gold Medal Teacher
by Stephanie Elgin
Congratulations to George Velarde, head of the Physical Education Department at Sierra Vista Junior High School as he was awarded a Gold Medal by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness in the Sports Spotlight Award ceremony in Sacramento. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld announced the Gold Medal winners at the Capitol Area East End Complex Auditorium. George received $10,000 for Sierra Vista’s P.E. program.
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A Gold Medal Teacher
by Stephanie Elgin
Congratulations to George Velarde, head of the Physical Education Department at Sierra Vista Junior High School as he was awarded a Gold Medal by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness in the Sports Spotlight Award ceremony in Sacramento. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld announced the Gold Medal winners at the Capitol Area East End Complex Auditorium. George received $10,000 for Sierra Vista’s P.E. program.
George Velarde has spent years developing his “New PE” program, where fitness is stressed over sports skills, recognizing that health and wellness are number one. The program uses heart rate monitors and pedometers and students can work at their individual physical activity level best suited for them. The program uses a state-of-the-art fitness center complete with Virtual Mountain Bikes, DDR dance pads, Xavix Exercise, Rock Climbing Wall and more.
The program has had remarkable results on student fitness and students of Sierra Vista scored the highest in the Hart District in the Healthy Fitness Zone on the State Physical Fitness Test, also being among one of the highest in the state.
Anthem Blue Cross Foundation presented the Sports Spotlight Awards. The Spotlight Awards recognizes the efforts of principals, teachers, non-profit organizations and more, who have a positive impact on the health and wellness of California children. George won the highest recognition in the Teacher of the Year category. Congratulations!
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