2018 Amazing People Bios
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Brianne Blaszak.
Brianne earned her Bachelor of Science degree at SUNY Brockport and her master's degree in education at Canisius College. She is a physical education teacher at Villa of Hope Youth & Family Services in Rochester. Brianne has served New York State AHPERD and the Central Western Zone at conferences as a presenter focusing on adapted physical education. She is a 'Hoops for Heart' coordinator, has placed in the top three for the Get Moving NY contests for three years, volunteers as co-chair/planner of a Cookie Crunch 5K, and coaches micro soccer. Brianne is also the Central Western Zone publishing editor of their newsletter, a member of the Mini-Conference Committee, and co-leader of the Technology Section. She is the NYS AHPERD Adventure Education Section president-elect. Brianne has been honored as the recipient of the Central Western Zone Amazing Person, the Zone's 2018 Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, and the M&T Bank/Buffalo Bills 2018 Touchdown Teacher of the Year. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure that the Adapted PE Section recognizes Brianne Blaszak as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Jacqueline Graves.
Jackie has been an asset to the aquatics community for over 30 years. Her career began with 15 years of service at the Syracuse Department of Parks and Recreation. For the past 18 years, Jackie has worked in the Syracuse City School District. First as a lifeguard, then Jackie earned her bachelor's degree in physical education and her master's degree in health education at SUNY Cortland. With her teaching certificate, Jackie was hired to teach physical education and lifesaving at Nottingham High School. She has been a lifeguard instructor for eight years, training and certifying Syracuse teachers, as well as teaching high school students to become lifeguards. Jackie has managed to balance teaching and coaching sports all three seasons. She was honored with receiving awards for Basketball Coach of the Year and the 2018 Assistant Coach of the Year for JV girls lacrosse in the Syracuse City School District. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Aquatics Section recognizes Jacqueline Graves as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Coaches Section Amazing Person Award is Fred Ahart.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree and his master's degree from Ithaca College, Fred began his career at Roscoe Central School. He is currently serving in his 50th year as the school's athletic director. He has successfully coached football for 50 years and is beginning his 50th year as varsity boys basketball coach. Fred retired from his physical education teaching position in 2007, but has continued in the athletic director and coaching positions. He has been involved in athletic mergers with neighboring schools, and was instrumental in collaborating with other athletic directors to work out the details and make the mergers run efficiently. While coaching basketball and football, his teams have won numerous championships. Fred is a member of NYS AHPERD, the Basketball Coaches Association of New York, the Section 9 Football Coaches Association, and the New York State Athletic Administrators Association. Fred has been honored with various prestigious awards. The New York State Athletic Administrators Association presented him with the Athletic Administrator of the Year Award for Section IX in 1993 and then 25 years later, in 2018. In 2014, the Roscoe Central School gymnasium was named the Coach Fred Ahart Gymnasium. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Coaches Section recognizes Fred Ahart as its 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Alissa Staub
Alissa received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and master's in health education from SUNY Cortland. She has been a physical education and dance teacher at Nottingham High School in the Syracuse City School District for ten years. Alissa teaches hip-hop, African dance, jazz, tap, ballet, yoga, dance composition and choreography. She plans innovative learning experiences to meet the needs of all students and created a district-wide dance workshop for students, as well as organizing a staff development workshop for the Syracuse City School District. Alissa has coached swimming, softball, lacrosse and girls varsity volleyball. In service to NYS AHPERD, Alissa is active in the Central North Zone and has served as the Central North Zone Dance Representative since 2015. She has presented dance workshops at several Central North Zone mini conferences, has been a Zone Awards Night volunteer, and is the Zone president-elect. Alissa was honored as the Central North Zone Dance Teacher of the Year in 2016. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Dance Section recognizes Alissa Staub as their 2018 Amazing Person Award recipient.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Meghan Ripstein.
Meghan received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and her master's degree in physical education with a concentration in adapted physical education from SUNY Brockport. Meghan is in her 14th year of teaching at the Alexander Central School District. She taught health and physical education at the middle/high school level, and is currently an elementary physical education teacher and vice president for the Alexander United Teachers Union. While Meghan was teaching in the middle school, she served as the student council advisor. Throughout Meghan's time at the elementary level, she has assisted with organizing a Jump Rope for Heart Week, the annual field days and 5th grade track meets. Alexander Central School District was fortunate to receive two PEP grants, and Meghan helped collect and analyze all of the data. She has attended and presented at numerous NYS AHPERD conferences. Since 2015, she has been a Girl Scout leader for over 36 girls, all of whom she currently teaches. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section recognizes Meghan Ripstein as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section Amazing Person Award is Dustin Verga.
Dustin received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland and his master's degree in health education from The Sage School of Health Sciences. He is currently enrolled in Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in the Advanced Graduate: School Building Leader Program. Dustin is a health educator at Shenendehowa High School, serves on the Health Education Advocacy and Research Team, and is currently serving as an administrative intern in the school district. In service to NYS AHPERD at the state level, Dustin served as Section president for Exercise Science/Sports Medicine, was on the Membership Recruitment Committee, the Health Education Advocacy Committee and has presented at annual conferences. He is active in the Capital Zone as the representative for Exercise Science/Sports Medicine, a member of the Zone Conference Committee, and is president-elect of the Capital Zone. Dustin is a member of the NYS Mental Health Advisory Council and has served as a consultant for the NYS Education Department. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section recognizes Dustin Verga as their 2018 Amazing Person Award recipient.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Michael Norris.
Michael received his bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, and his two master's degrees and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He is an assistant professor at Syracuse University and coordinator of Urban and Inclusive Health & Physical Education, coordinator of the physical education teacher education majors, and New York State licensure coaching minor coordinator. Michael serves on the Syracuse University Diversity Committee, the Graduate School Teaching Assistant Awards Committee, and has been a volunteer coordinator for the Festival of Races and Winter Special Olympics. He is a member of the NYS AHPERD Executive Council serving as the president of the Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Section. Michael has been active in the Central North Zone, serving as the Higher Education representative. He has had articles published in SHAPE America newsletters, Kinesiology Review and the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. Michael was honored as the 2017 Amazing Person for the Higher Education Professional Preparation Section. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Future Professionals Section recognizes Michael Norris as its 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Education Section Amazing Person Award is Jessica Hull.
Jessica received her Bachelor of Science degree from The State University of Albany, and her master's degree from The Sage Colleges. She currently teaches health education in Shenendehowa Central School District. In her role at Koda Middle School, Jessica has organized the American Heart Association's 'Go for Red' fundraiser for five years, been the chairperson of the Olweus Anti-Bullying Committee, a member of the Mentor-Protégée Program, and worked as a cooperating teacher for future professionals. Jessica continues to make significant contributions to improving health education statewide. She co-authored the K-12 Comprehensive Mental Health Curriculum for the Mental Health Association of New York State. In 2015, she reviewed the HIV/AIDS Guidance Document Addendum. In service to NYS AHPERD, Jessica has been an active member of the Capital Zone serving as Health Section Representative for 12 years, is a member of the Zone Conference Committee, has presented at both state and local conferences numerous times, and is currently Zone treasurer. She has been honored as the recipient of the Koda Middle School - PTA Honorary Lifetime Award and the Capital Zone Amazing Person. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Health Section recognizes Jessica Hull as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Dr. Ellen Kowalski.
Ellen received her bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo, a master's degree from the University of Connecticut and her doctorate from Texas Woman's University. She is an associate professor of Health and Sport Sciences at Adelphi University. In service to NYS AHPERD, Ellen has served on the Nassau Zone Executive Board for 28 years, chaired the Get Moving NY contest and was a member of the Zone Conference Planning Committee. On the state level, Ellen served as the Adapted PE & Sport Section president and as the Future Professionals Section advisor. She facilitated the creation of the Departmental Majors of the Year Program, and was conference program planner for both the Future Professionals and Adapted PE Sections. Ellen served on the Special Task Force on Adapted Physical Education, the NYS AHPERD Roles and Responsibilities Task Force, and chaired the Statewide Assessment Subcommittee on Including Students with Disabilities. Ellen has received numerous awards, including the NYS AHPERD Professional of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Award. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognizes Ellen Kowalski as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Shawn Dillon.
Shawn received his Bachelor of Science degree in sports medicine from Elon University, and his master's degree in physical education from Adelphi University. He began his teaching career in Longwood Central School District in 1999 teaching both physical education and health education. Shawn was appointed department chair in 2004 and has created several new electives and course offerings in physical education, including an Outdoor Education Program. Under his leadership as club advisor, the program continues to grow each year with new activities and equipment, and currently has over 300 students enrolled. Shawn developed and is the director of 'Leadership Through Adventure Camp,' which is a summer camp for 8 to 12 year olds to explore leadership qualities through adventure, cooperation and communication activities. He has offered field trip experiences for students to go mountain biking, fly fishing, surf casting, kayaking, paddle boarding, camping, downhill skiing in Vermont and charter boat fishing. Shawn is an active member of the Suffolk Zone and has presented at several Zone conferences. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Recreation/Adventure Section recognizes Shawn Dillon as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is Tom Howard.
Tom received his bachelor's degree in health, physical education and recreation from Southern Connecticut State College, a Master of Science degree in health education from Adelphi University, and Administrative Certification from Long Island University. Tom was the director of physical education and athletics in the Farmingdale School District before retiring in 2003. He is currently an adjunct professor at Adelphi University. In service to NYS AHPERD, Tom was president of the Association and a member of the board of directors for six years. He has served as Executive Council secretary, the Retirees Section president, a member of the Jay B. Nash Award Committee, chair of the Teacher of the Year Award Committee and the Distinguished Service/Professional of the Year Award Committee. He continues to serve as chair of the Necrology Committee, secretary of the Foundation, and presents at state, Zone and district conferences. He has written numerous articles for the NYS AHPERD newsletter and was the NYS Representative to the EDA Council for Services and a member of the EDA Future Professionals Conference Committee. Tom has received many professional awards and has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Joy of Effort Award, Distinguished Service Award, and the COA Zone Achievement Award. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Retirees Section recognizes Tom Howard as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Chrissy Popper.
Chrissy received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and her master's degree in adapted physical education from SUNY Cortland. In 2008, she accepted a position to teach physical education at Fayetteville-Manlius High School and since 2011, has been their physical education instructional specialist. Chrissy serves as their unified sports basketball coach and organizer of the Special Olympics athletes to promote fitness, coordination and cardiovascular improvement for students with developmental disabilities. Since 2010, she has been the coordinator of the Link Crew Program, which is a designated group of junior and senior class mentors who guide freshmen as they transition to high school. Chrissy has a leadership role in her school's "Positivity Project," a movement dedicated to helping youth build stronger relationships by recognizing character strengths in themselves and others. She balances being a teacher with coaching grades 8 and 9 basketball, modified volleyball, and modified softball. Chrissy states the NYS AHPERD conference has been vital in implementing new activities at Fayetteville Manlius. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Secondary Physical Education Section recognizes Chrissy Popper as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Technology Section Amazing Person Award is Ryan Fisk.
Ryan received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education, Master of Science degree in health education, and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Hofstra University. He is currently an assistant professor at Manhattanville College and is pursuing a Doctor of Education degree. Ryan is active in the Nassau Zone and has served as secretary, newsletter editor, webmaster, and member of the Get Moving NY Committee, the Zone Conference Planning Committee and the Outstanding High School Student Awards Committee. He served as co-president of the Technology Section during its pilot year, has presented various workshops on technology at local, zone, state and regional conferences, and is a member of the NYS AHPERD Podcast Committee. Ryan served as president of the Health Section and conference director for the 2017 Health Education Conference. He received the Amazing Person Award for both the Nassau Zone and the Health Section, and was the recipient of the Nassau Zone Service Award. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Technology Section recognizes Ryan Fisk as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Carol Larkin.
Carol received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and her master's degree in health education from Russell Sage College. For 32 years, Carol taught at St. Jude the Apostle School in Wynantskill. She is a physical education and health education teacher, librarian, and teaches the Community After School Enrichment Program. She currently organizes the school's annual Field Days, the 6th grade versus parents and faculty volleyball game, and the national "Mix It Up at Lunch Day." She also participates in the "Rising New York Road Runners" youth events. Carol attends the Capital Zone Conference every year to not only continue to expand her knowledge in the disciplines of physical education and health education, but to share her own expertise with others. Carol has been recognized with the "Elizabeth Ann Seton Distinguished Teacher Award" by the Albany Diocese, a "Distinguished Teacher Honorable Mention" for her commitment to drug prevention by the Albany Diocesan Drug Education Ministry, and received the "25 Years of Service Award" in 2009 for teaching in the Albany Diocese. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Capital Zone recognizes Carol Larkin as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Jennifer Gravelle.
Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport, and master's degree in humanistic and multicultural education from SUNY New Paltz. She is an elementary physical education and adapted physical education teacher in Wallkill Central School District. Jennifer is a member of her district's Scholarship Committee, Teachers' Association, and has been their Jump Rope for Heart coordinator for 17 years. This year, she was the president of the Plattekill Elementary School's 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee. Jennifer has coached the girls varsity indoor and outdoor track and field team, varsity soccer team and tennis team. She was awarded the 'most wins for a girls soccer coach' honors in the history of Wallkill School District from 2003-2014. Jennifer was quoted in a publication by Vincent Bove titled Listen to Their Cries, a book about school violence with insights for transforming schools and communities. She is active within the Catskill Zone, has been the Zone chair for Jump Rope for Heart, and assists with Zone conferences. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Catskill Zone recognizes Jennifer Gravelle as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Sandy Williams.
Sandy received her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Cortland in physical education, her master's degree from SUNY Geneseo in special education, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Cortland. Sandy began her career in the Rome City School District in 1985 and recently retired as their assistant principal and director of physical education. She serves on the board of directors for the Rome Youth Hockey Association and the Rome Sports Hall of Fame. In service to NYS AHPERD, Sandy is an active member of the Central North Zone. She is Zone treasurer, as well as the Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section representative. She has presented at both Zone and state conferences and served as a member of the Bernard E. Hughes Award Committee. Sandy has been honored to receive the Amazing Person Award for Adapted Physical Education & Sports Section, the Central North Zone's Bob Brown Award and the Cheri Stevens Award. The Rome Youth Hockey Association presented her with the Bob Miller Award and the Life Time Member Award. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Central North Zone recognizes Sandy Williams as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Nick Kline.
Nick received his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and business from Ithaca College and his master's degree in teaching students with disabilities from SUNY Cortland. In 2012 Nick also received his National Board Teaching Certification. After teaching elementary physical education for 10 years, Nick had the opportunity to pursue an alternative career path in the field of physical education. He currently works for US Games as their northeast regional manager. His responsibilities include supporting the efforts of OPEN where he presents to teachers nationwide. In addition, Nick is an adjunct lecturer at SUNY Cortland. He is truly passionate about physical education. He has coached or managed a travel soccer club in Cortland for the past 15 years and has served as the president of the Cortland High School Alumni Association for over a decade. Nick supports NYS AHPERD and has presented at 10 of our 11 Zone conferences. He is an active member of the Central South Zone and in March, facilitated an evening workshop to support the professional growth of area teachers and future professionals. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Central South Zone recognizes Nick Kline as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Kelly Ahern.
Kelly received a bachelor's degree from Duquesne University in elementary education, a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from SUNY Brockport and her master's degree in physical education from Plymouth State University. Kelly is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. She has been teaching physical education at Victor High School for the past 12 years and is the varsity girls soccer head coach, with three sectional titles to her credit. She loves spending time outdoors and is the advisor for Victor Outdoor Activities Club. With this experience, she has introduced two new units to the physical education curriculum, including mountain biking and paddle boarding. As president of the Central Western Zone, Kelly served NYS AHPERD on the state level as a member of the Executive Council and has presented at both state and zone conferences for several years. She is an adventure enthusiast and has been the Central Western Zone Recreation/Adventure Section representative since 2011. Kelly has been honored with several coaching awards and was the 2016 Central Western Zone Teacher of the Year. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Central Western Zone recognizes Kelly Ahern as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Michael Gordon.
Michael received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Rochester, his master's degree in physical education and health education from Adelphi University, and earned a Certificate in Educational Administration from the College of St. Rose. Michael is the director of health, physical education and athletics at Lawrence Public Schools. He has coached a variety of sports, and while at Newcomers High School, his varsity boys tennis team won the "B" Division New York City Championship, the school's first ever city championship. Michael is an active member of the Nassau Zone executive board and currently serves as its past president and treasurer. He was chairperson of the Mini-Grants Committee, has organized the Nassau Zone Professional Awards ceremonies, the Physical Education Student Awards Dinner and the Zone's first-ever Get Moving NY event. Michael serves on the Budget and By-Laws Committees and assists with the annual Elementary/Middle School Awards Ceremony. He is also an active member of the Council of Administrators Section. Michael currently serves on the Sportsmanship, Standards and Alignment Committees for Section 1 Athletics. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Nassau Zone recognizes Michael Gordon as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Jana Moran.
Jana received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and master's degree in secondary education from Salem State University, a second master's degree in educational leadership from Teachers' College at Columbia University and is in the University's doctoral program. Jana is the director of physical education at the New York City Department of Education. She created the first Move to Improve elementary classroom activity program in partnership with the Department of Health. Jana led the division's health and physical education policy development, becoming an expert in federal, state and local laws and regulations. She wrote the City's First District Physical Education Plan to advocate for instructionally rigorous and common sense policies to support principals, teachers and students. Jana developed the initial proposals for PE Works; a Mayoral initiative funded at over 100 million dollars to improve equity and access to quality physical education for ALL students. She is most proud of her team of passionate educators who work tirelessly to support teachers and advocate for students. In service to NYS AHPERD, Jana is an active member of the New York City Zone and served as Zone president. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the New York City Zone recognizes Jana Moran as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Jillian Gaebel.
Jill received her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education at SUNY Cortland and her master's degree in health and curriculum from SUNY Fredonia. Since 2010, she has been teaching physical education at Potsdam High School. She has coached three sports at various levels, which include girls soccer, girls varsity and youth lacrosse, and has coached modified girls basketball since 2011. Jill has been the Varsity Club Advisor for eight years and was the sophomore class advisor. She serves on the District and Building Level Committees for the recently implemented district-wide Positivity Project. In service to NYS AHPERD, Jill is an active member of the Northern Zone. She has served as the Zone treasurer for three years, is the Secondary Physical Education representative, and the newsletter publisher for the Zone. She has participated in the Get Moving New York Campaign and assists with the planning and awarding of the Physical Education Student Leadership Awards. In addition, Jill has collaborated in organizing many of the Northern Zone mini conferences. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Northern Zone recognizes Jill Gaebel as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is James Rose.
Jim is the director of physical education, health and interscholastic athletics for the Yonkers Public Schools and an adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is a certified instructor for the New York State Education Department coaching, first aid and CPR courses, and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association leadership training courses. Jim has consulted on a variety of areas related to health, physical education and athletics, and has served as an expert witness for injury cases related to physical education, recess and athletics. He serves as the New York State Public High School Athletic Association co-coordinator of modified athletics and represents Section 1 as chair of the NYS Safety Committee. In service to NYS AHPERD, Jim has served as Association president and as president of the Council of Administrators Section, chairs the Council of Administrators Handbook Committee, and is the Southeastern Zone Council of Administrators Section representative. While president, he initiated the creation of the Technology Section, which officially became the 14th Section of the Association. He is also an active member of the Southeastern Zone. Jim has been honored with numerous awards, including both the Technology Section and the Council of Administrators Section Amazing Person awards. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure that the Southeastern Zone recognizes Jim Rose as its 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Vincent Altebrando (posthumously).
For 24 years, Vincent was a physical education teacher and head wrestling coach at Walt Whitman High School. He graduated from Springfield College with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education, earned his master's in education and through the College of New Rochelle, received his School District Administrator certification. Vincent coached wrestling, football and badminton, ran the after school weight lifting program, and spent countless hours doing open mats for his wrestling team. As varsity wrestling coach, Vincent amassed 213 dual meet victories and three league championships. He was named Coach of the Year twice, molded numerous league and county champions, as well as two NYS Public High School Athletic Association champions. This past season, Vincent's team received the Section XI Sportsmanship Award. In service to NYS AHPERD, he was active in the Suffolk Zone and a frequent presenter at Zone conferences. Vincent was an inspiration to coaches, athletes and the community. President Garbarino, it is with great respect the Suffolk Zone posthumously honors Vincent Altebrando as their 2018 Amazing Person.
The 2018 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Andrea Norton.
Andrea received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Ithaca College, and a Master of Education from SUNY Buffalo. She has been teaching health education and physical education for 31 years, with 23 years in the Buffalo Public Schools. Currently, Andrea is the supervisor of physical education and health, serving in this position for almost eight years. She has single-handedly changed the culture of physical education and health education in the Buffalo Public Schools. Her advocacy efforts have been successful in adding additional physical education and health education teachers, and physical education time to improve student well-being. At the time of her appointment as supervisor, there were 109 physical education and health educators working for the district. There are now 160 teachers employed - a 47% increase in staff! Andrea assisted in creating a new District Wellness policy, which is seen as an exemplar by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She is instrumental in partnerships and collaborations going above and beyond to serve the school and the community. Andrea is an active member of NYS AHPERD, the Western Zone and the Council of Administrators. President Garbarino, it is with great pleasure the Western Zone recognizes Andrea Norton as their 2018 Amazing Person.