FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Long IslandSchool District Educator Michael Schwenk To Be Honored at National Educators Convention

RESTON, VA, March 23, 2009 – Michael P. Schwenk, retired physical education director for the Half Hollow Central School District, will be honored with the Channing Mann Physical Education Administrator of the Year Award by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) at the annual convention of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), March 30 - April 4, in Tampa, Florida.  The award is sponsored by Walk4Life, Inc., a leading manufacturer and supplier of quality pedometers.            

         The award will be presented at the NASPE Hall of Fame Banquet on Friday, April 3, where the National Physical Education Teachers of the Year for Elementary, Middle School and High School as well as the Athletic Director of the Year Award will be announced. Olympic gold medalist Dot Richardson, M.D. will be inducted into the NASPE Hall of Fame. 

         According to NASPE President Fran Cleland of West Chester University of Pennsylvania, "This award honors an individual who exemplifies the highest standards in accomplishment and innovation, strong and vigorous leadership and significant scholarship within the field."

         Schwenk's personal commitment and willingness to serve includes leadership positions at the local, state and national levels.  As director of physical education at Half Hollow Hills Schools in Long Island, NY, he implemented the "Skill Theme" approach at the elementary level, with the addition of pedometers and ballroom dancing. The middle schools added heart rate technology and the high schools increased the size and variety of adventure programming. All of these programs included professional development for staff.

         In Suffolk County, Schwenk initiated the first Council of Administrators meetings. He served three years on the Board of Directors of the New York State AHPERD and was also the Goals 2000 Trainer for Physical Best and a P.E. Profile "Assessment" Trainer. 

         At the national level Schwenk has conducted trainings in Physical Best/Fitnessgram and is a trainer for "Fitness for Life."  A New York State evaluator for districts receiving the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grants, he also serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Adelphi University teaching undergraduate majors the Foundations of Physical Education. Schwenk is a graduate of Ball State University, Brooklyn College (NYC), and received his Administrative Certification from New York University.

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Contact:
Paula Keyes Kun
pkun@aahperd.org
703-476-3461

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides 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. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.