FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Retired Souderton Area School District Teacher Honored With National Award
RESTON, VA, March 27, 2017 — Colleen Wegimont, a retired health and physical teacher from Harleysville, PA, was recently honored with the Margie R. Hanson Elementary Physical Education Distinguished Service Award by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to children in the field of physical education, was presented at the Professional Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 16, during the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Boston.
The award is named for Margie R. Hanson, a dedicated SHAPE America member for 26 years who was a pioneer in promoting physical education for children through her own teaching, advocacy and program support.
"This award honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards in advocating for and providing quality physical education for all children," says SHAPE America President Fran Cleland, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at West Chester University in Pennsylvania.
Wegimont, a teacher for 30 years, joined the profession to share her passion for physical activity and for living a healthy lifestyle. She wanted to give children the opportunity to move, play, and learn new skills that would help them become physically literate and efficient movers.
"I knew I wanted to be a physical educator when I worked with children at my hometown YMCA," says Wegimont. "I credit my professors at Rhode Island College with helping me become a quality physical education teacher and professional."
Currently the president-elect of the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (PSAHPERD), Wegimont has received numerous awards from that organization. In addition, she has received the Eastern District Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award, Jump Rope For Heart Outstanding Coordinator Award and Honor Award from AAHPERD (now SHAPE America).
For more information about the 2017 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo, visit the website and follow #SHAPEBoston.
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About SHAPE America
SHAPE America - Society of Health and Physical Educators is committed to ensuring all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, physically active lives. As the nation's largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals, SHAPE America works with its 50 state affiliates and national partners to support initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Let's Move! Active Schools and the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs.
Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and our resources provide the leadership, professional development and advocacy that support health and physical educators at every level - from preschool to university graduate programs. For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org.