Patty Kestell Wins 2013 JRFH Recognition Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) has awarded Patty Kestell, physical educator at Thorson Elementary School, with the 2013 Jump Rope For Heart (JRFH) Recognition Award. Ms. Kestell was selected to receive the 2013 JRFH Recognition Award for her many years of outstanding service to the JRFH program at both local and national levels. This award highlights extraordinary leadership by physical educators in the promotion of the Jump Rope For Heart program.
Ms. Kestell currently serves as the State Jump Rope For Heart Coordinator for Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (WHPE), a state association for physical education professionals. She has worked to promote heart-healthy education at the state and national levels and implements employee wellness programs for the Cedarburg School District. A recognized leader in her state, Ms. Kestell is also a mentor for physical education teachers throughout Wisconsin and has given many program session presentations at local and regional physical education conventions. Ms. Kestell's Jump Rope For Heart events are known for their creative incorporation of heart-healthy education elements and fun activities. Flash mobs, heart rate monitors, and glow-in-the-dark equipment contribute to the high level of enthusiasm surrounding her events.
"Patty is a truly amazing American Heart Association volunteer, WHPE member, teacher and friend," said Kori Coffeen, local Vice President of the American Heart Association. "She puts her whole heart into everything she does and the American Heart Association and AAHPERD are incredibly blessed to have her in our corner."
Ms. Kestell will be honored as a recipient of the 2013 AAHPERD Jump Rope For Heart Recognition Award at the AAHPERD Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 25 at the 2013 AAHPERD National Convention & Exposition in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Founded in 1978 by the American Heart Association and AAHPERD, the Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart programs have provided millions of dollars to cardiovascular research and the fight against heart disease and stroke. These school-site fundraising programs educate children on the importance of physical activity and diet in maintaining heart health for life. Proceeds aid individuals struggling with heart defects, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. With the growing rate of childhood obesity and heart disease at the forefront of national discourse, the efforts of quality health and physical educators are more important than ever.
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Contact:
Allison Davis
703.476.3481