Swim Instruction Excellence Recognized

By Kelly Bennett

The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) announced the recipients for National Swimming Teachers of the Year.  Five Santa Clarita area teachers were among the 57 recipients of the award at the USSSA annual conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.  
Selene Cervantes, Joey French, Giovanni Friz, Kimberly Pulliam and Melissa Spackman – all from Academy Swim Club in Valencia and all Santa Clarita residents – received recognition from the organization which represents over 300 swim schools.   
The awards were given to teachers who have shown outstanding performance and commitment to the profession of teaching swimming.  Sue Mackey, USSSA Executive Director said “The outstanding teacher award recognizes excellence in teaching children and adults to swim.”  
Though they all share a passion for swimming, the award-winning instructors have diverse backgrounds.  Cerventes aspires to be a pediatrician.  French is the manager of the Swim Club.  Friz, Pulliam and Spackman are all students studying nursing, political science and psychology, respectively.  
When asked what sets these instructors apart from the rest, Academy Swim Club Founder and Director Nikki Miller says, “These teachers have an amazing one-on-one relationship with their students and respond individually to their needs.  Perhaps most importantly, however, is their focus.  When they are working with the kids, there is nothing else in the universe except for their lesson, and something magic happens.”
The USSSA was founded in 1988.  It is a professional trade association that promotes swim schools in the United States with an international presence as well.  Academy Swim Club was founded by Jim & Nikki Miller in 1998.  The school provides swim instruction to children and adults and also hosts parties.  
For more information about Academy Swim Club call (661) 702-8585 or go to www.swim4life.com.