FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Hilgenbrinck Named Adapted Physical Educator of the Year

Reston, VA – Dr. Linda Hilgenbrinck has been named the National Adapted Physical Educator of the Year by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). The award was recently announced at AAHPERD's national convention in Boston. 

Hilgenbrinck has over 30 years of teaching experience. She currently teaches Adapted Physical Education (APE) at the Denton Independent School District in Denton, Texas. She coordinates the Denton APE internship training program, where she's helping to train the next generation of Adapted PE teachers. Hilgenbrinck has also been instrumental in helping her school district win three grants from the Denton Education Foundation. In addition, she has been an important contributor to an adapted archery program, two swimming programs for disabled students, and a social skills program for students with autism. She has also worked with deaf students and is proficient in sign language. 

"I continuously watch for any unique equipment or strategies to use because I may tap into the smallest of successes that lay the foundation to create the greatest gains for my students," Hilgenbrinck says. "That's what I'm after – I am a life-long teacher and I love my students." 

Hilgenbrinck holds a doctorate from the Texas Woman's University in Adapted Physical Education. She is a prolific writer and researcher. In fact, she has presented over 20 of her papers at conferences. Hilgenbrinck also promotes physical activity by example: she's an avid cyclist and kayaker. 

###

Contact:
AAPAR
lalkire@aahperd.org
703-476-3430

AAPAR, one of 5 national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), serves more than 8,600 professors, teachers, trainers, and community leaders who promote meaningful physical activity and recreation across the lifespan. AAPAR advocates fitness and fun for every body, with a focus on inclusive community based programs.

The vision of AAHPERD is "Healthy People – Physically Educated and Physically Active!" Headquartered in Reston, VA, 25 miles west of Washington, DC, AAHPERD is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, physical activity, dance, school health and sport--all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. Its mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport by providing its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. For more information, visit www.aahperd.org.