2014 Amazing People Bios
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education & Sport Section Amazing Person Award is Matt Dadey.
Stacy earned both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health and her Master of Science Degree in Physical Education from Canisius College. She has taught physical education in the Depew Union Free School District for the past nine years. She developed an innovative and creative personal fitness curriculum for her students that integrates the Common Core and the NYS Physical Education Profile. She presented and shared her curriculum at the NYS AHPERD Conference last fall and she has presented it to several school districts throughout Western New York. Stacy is an active member of the Instructional Leadership Team, the Academic Advisory Council, the School Safety Committee and the District Wellness Committee. She has coached several sports at the high school level and she supervises and advises many different activities at Depew High School. Stacy is the current Western Zone President, she organized the first three Western Zone Get Moving NY events and is the co-chair for the Western Zone Mini Conference. Stacy's colleagues describe her as hardworking, dedicated and passionate. She is never on time, she is always early and if you want something done, you ask Stacy! Her passion for the profession is evident as she inspires her students to maintain healthy lifestyles. She is a role model and inspiration in the field of physical education. Stacy was honored as the Physical Education Major of the Year at Canisius College. It is with great pleasure that the Western Zone recognizes Stacy Walker as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section Amazing Person Award is Lori Friend.
Lori earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, Health and Recreation from the University of Delaware and her Master of Science Degree in Education from Elmira College. She has been a physical education teacher for thirty-six years working for the last twenty-five years at Frederick Carder Elementary School in the Corning-Painted Post Area School District. Lori designed and ran Corning Painted Post's elementary swim program for thirteen years, she coaches both boys and girls varsity swim teams and trained the boys team to compete in triathalons. Lori is an active member of the NYS AHPERD Aquatics Section holding the position of past president and program planner. She has presented and presided at NYS AHPERD Conferences and her article titled Taking the Fear out of Swimming and Water was published in the NYS AHPERD newsletter. She is the secretary for the Elmira Chapter of the NYS Track Officials, Vice President of Big Flats Women's Club, a member of the Board of Directors for the Big Flats Library Organization, an official and coach for the River Rats Swim Team and an Elmira track official. Lori was a member of the Carder PTA Playground Committee and served as an official for the New York State Senior Games. She was honored with a twenty-five year service award for both the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association and New York State Track and Field Association. It is with great pleasure that the Aquatics Section recognizes Lori Friend as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Dance Section Amazing Person Award is Hossy Habashzada.
Hossy received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Brooklyn College and her Master of Science Degree from Queens College. She has been a physical education and health education teacher and varsity gymnastics coach at Carle Place School District for the past five years. She has created curriculums for dance, yoga, rollerblading and gymnastics. She is a member of the Rhythm Diva's Dance Company and has competed in International Hustle and Salsa competitions. She completed both the School of Bihar Yoga Teacher Training in Bihar India and the Dharma Yoga Life of a Yogi Teacher Training in New York City. Hossy is active in Bridges to Community, an international not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of impoverished communities in developing countries through volunteer service trips. She participated in dance workshops with Bamboo Moves Yoga to raise funds for volunteer trips to Nicaragua where she helped build a school library, homes for poor families and she also taught yoga. She is active in the Nassau Zone and presented a session on Latin Dance at the 2014 Zone conference. Hossy has been honored with the Nassau Zone Dance Education Award as well as several Nassau County Section 8 Athletics Gymnastics Sportsmanship Awards. It is with great pleasure that the Dance Section recognizes Hossy Habashzada as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Donn Tobin.
Donn received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and his Master of Science Degree in School Administration/Supervision from Mercy College. He has been a physical education teacher at Lakeview Elementary School in the Mahopac Central School District for the past 17 years and he coordinates the school wide intramural program. Donn has served as a cooperating teacher for student teachers from numerous colleges/universities. He is a member of the district physical education curriculum committee, the district safety team, crisis intervention team and the positive behavior intervention services team. He has coordinated Jump Rope for Heart events and the Nike reUSE a Sneaker Recycling Program. Donn is the past president of the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section and chairperson of the section grant committee. He is the creator and co-director of the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section, 5 K race that is in its third year. Donn is also active in the Southeastern Zone serving as the recreation chairperson and former Zone secretary and assistant conference director. He has presented at numerous Zone conferences and at NYS AHPERD Conferences. Donn has published articles in the Southeastern Zone newsletter, S & S worldwide and PECentral. He has been honored with the Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award. It is with great pleasure that the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section recognizes Donn Tobin as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Exercise Science/Sports Medicine Section Amazing Person Award is George Forrester.
George received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and his Master's Degree from Walden University. George has been teaching physical education at Schenectady High School for the past ten years. He also serves as the head strength and conditioning coach for the Patriots' athletics program. He was a member of the District Physical Education Curriculum Committee for five years and he participated in the Schenectady Sport Education Camp for at risk middle school students for three years. He has organized and presented at Schenectady District wide professional development days and he has presented on a variety of topics at Capital Zone Conferences and including; "Increase Activity Engagement and Bring Awareness to Youth Sports Using the Sport Education Model", "A Different Approach On How To Assess Your Students", and "Grading The PE Profile". George is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and he has acted as a lobbyist for the American Heart Association. He is a lifelong learner who always puts students and athletes first by staying up to date within the fields of physical education and strength and conditioning. George gets his students and athletes excited about exercise! It is with great pleasure that the Exercise Science/ Sports Medicine Section recognizes George Forrester as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Future Professionals Section Amazing Person Award is Jason Quitoni.
Jason received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Long Island University, his Master of Science Degree from Stony Brook University and his School Administrator/Supervisor Certificate from The College of New Rochelle. Jason began his career as an alternate education physical education teacher at Mamaroneck High School. Over the course of nearly thirty years, he was a physical education teacher, district department chairperson for physical education, and interim athletic director for Longwood Central Schools. He finished his career at Hofstra University as a physical education advisor and instructor. Jason has been an active member of NYS AHPERD for most of his career. He was a member of the NYS AHPERD Board of Directors, a NYS AHPERD past president, a former vice president of the Secondary Physical Education Section and past president of the Suffolk Zone. Jason currently serves as co-chair of the Annual Future Professionals Leadership Conference. He has presented numerous local, state and national workshops and he has volunteered at the NYS AHPERD Conference registration desk for several years. Jason was honored with the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award, the Suffolk Zone Service Award, the Mark Cooper "Excellence in Teaching Award" and the Longwood Athletic Department Service Award. It is with great pleasure that the Future Professionals Section recognizes Jason Quitoni as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Health Section Amazing Person Award is Lisa Sherman.
Lisa received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from SUNY Cortland, her Master of Science Degree in Education from the University of South Carolina, and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz. She has been a physical education and health education teacher as White Plains Middle School for the past nineteen years. She was also an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University and a Cooperating Teacher at Columbia University and Manhattan College. Lisa has been a member of various school district committees including the Principal's Advisory Council, the School Safety Team and the Middle School Crisis Team. She has coached girls softball and basketball and has been a Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart Coordinator for many years. In service to NYS AHPERD, Lisa is a current member of the Board of Directors, past president of NYS AHPERD, the Southeastern Zone and the Future Professional's Section. She was co-chair of the Future Professionals Leadership Conference and she has been the Southeastern Zone Conference Director for many years. She has presented at the national, state, zone and local levels on health education, physical education and advocacy. She is a member of the SHAPE America Health Education Task Force, she was a Learning Connection summit attendee and a State Education Department HIV/AIDS project member. Lisa has been a leader on several NYS AHPERD advocacy initiatives including the advocacy video, the state report card and Get Moving NY. She has been honored with the Eastern District Association Student Leadership Award, the White Plains Middle School PTA Jenkins Award, the Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award and the NYS AHPERD Professional of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure that the Health Section recognized Lisa Sherman as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award is Clancy Seymour.
Clancy received both his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree from Canisius College and his doctorate in education from D'Youville College in Buffalo. Clancy is the interim Department Chair of Kinesiology, Director of Initial Certification in Physical Education and Health and an instructor in the health and physical education department at Canisius College. He served as the Physical Education Majors Club Advisor at Canisius for five years. He is a member of the Physical Education Advisory Board for Niagara Country Community College and President for the NYS Professional Preparation Council for Physical Education. Clancy is a member and committee chair for the NYS AHPERD Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Awards Committee, he is active in the Western Zone serving as the Higher Education Section representative and he has helped coordinate several Western Zone Mini-Conferences. He has presented at SHAPE America Conferences, the NYS AHPERD Conference and Western Zone Mini Conferences. He has been honored with the Canisius College Dean's Research Award, the D'Youville College Doctoral Scholar's Award, Canisius College Fifteen Year Service Award, the Western Zone Amazing Person Award and the Western Zone Higher Education Teacher of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure that the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section recognizes Dr. Clancy Seymour as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Recreation/Adventure Education Section Amazing Person Award is Sara Lester.
Sara earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies Education from SUNY Cortland. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. Sara has been the Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services at Gateway-Longview, in Buffalo, for the past sixteen years. She is an American Red Cross Instructor of First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and Water Safety. Sara is an active member of NYS AHPERD, she is a past president of the Recreation/Adventure Education Section and she served on the NYS AHPERD Statewide Event Planning Committee. In service to the Western Zone, Sara is the Recreation/Adventure Education Section Representative and a member of the Zone Conference Planning Committee. She served on the New York State Recreation and Parks Society Professional Development Board for ten years. Sara is President of the Niagara Frontier Recreation and Parks Society and has been an Executive Board member for twelve years. It is with great pleasure that the Recreation/Adventure Education Section recognizes Sara Lester as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Retirees Section Amazing Person Award is William "Skip" Earle.
Skip received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Springfield College. He retired in 2010 from Bedford Central Schools after a thirty-nine year teaching career. During his time at Bedford, Skip taught physical education at the high school, middle school and finally the elementary level. In addition to teaching, he was the head track coach and assistant football coach for fifteen years. Skip stays active as a track and field official and currently serves on the New York State Public High School Athletic Associations Ethics Committee. He has been an active member of NYS AHPERD for many years. He was the Southeastern Zone President and has served in many other capacities on the Southeastern Zone Board including serving as the Jump Rope for Heart Representative and his current position as Dance Section Representative. Skip has presented more than 100 workshops at the local, state, district and national levels. He has also presented at SUNY Cortland, Adelphi University and Manhattanville College. Skip has volunteered at the NYS AHPERD Conference registration desk since his retirement. He has been honored as the NYS AHPERD Elementary Teacher of the Year, the NYS AHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year, the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person, the Bedford School District Teacher of the Year, and the NYS Track Official of the Year. It is with great pleasure that the Retirees Section recognizes William "Skip" Earle as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person Award is Allison Relyea.
Allison received both her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Adapted Physical Education and her Master of Science Degree in Recreation Education from SUNY Cortland. She has been teaching physical education and dance at Guilderland High School for the past eleven years and for the past two years she has served as the faculty assistant to the Athletic Director. She is a member of the Physical Education Cabinet, the Building Cabinet Committee and she has been a National Coalition Building Institute trainer for nine years. Allison has coached basketball, cross country and softball. She is the advisor to the Guilderland Dance Squad and the International Club Dance Coordinator. She has participated in the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Campaign and is the co-organizer of the Annual Dodgeball Tournament where she has helped raise over $3000 annually for local charities. Allison has been actively involved in NYS AHPERD and the Capital Zone serving as the Capital Zone Secondary Section Representative, Treasurer, she is a member of the Secondary Leadership Awards Committee, the Zone Conference Committee and the Mini Grant Committee. She has presented and presided at both Capital Zone and NYS AHPERD Conferences and is the incoming Secondary Physical Education Section President. Allison was honored as a NYS AHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year and as a Capital Zone Amazing Person. It is with great pleasure that the Secondary Physical Education Section recognizes Allison Relyea as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Capital Zone Amazing Person Award is Roberts Oates.
Bob received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and both a Master of Science Degree in Reading Education and Educational Administration from SUNY Albany. He taught physical education in the Guilderland Central School District and was principal of Westmere Elementary School but ultimately returned to the classroom. He is currently an Adjunct Professor in the physical education department at Sage College of Albany. Bob's unique approach to teaching helps students think differently about the mechanics of movement. He is intuitive, compassionate, inquisitive, creative, all coupled with a wonderful sense of humor. Most importantly, he is a man of high morals and values and his students embrace, and respect him for those attributes. A number of professionals in the Capital Zone recognize Bob as key to their success and consider him a mentor. His success will forever be measured by those individuals who have been touched by his unique character and influenced by his passion for teaching. He is an active member of the Capital Zone, serving as treasurer, Dance Section representative, and volunteer and keynote for the annual Capital Zone Student Leadership Awards. He has presented at both Capital Zone and NYS AHPERD Conferences and has authored articles for the Capital Zone newsletter. He has been honored with the Guilderland Teacher Recognition, Schenectady Light Opera Award for Choreography, Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club Hall of Fame and NYS AHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year Award. It is with great pleasure that the Capital Zone recognizes Robert Oates as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Catskill Zone Amazing Person Award is Dr. Lynda Bracken.
Lynda received both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from East Stroudsburg University, a second Master's and her Doctorate in Education from Columbia University's Teachers College. She started her career as a health teacher and Dean of Students in the former Jeffersonville-Youngsville Central School District. She is currently a physical education teacher at Sullivan West Central School District. Lynda spearheaded the districts PEP Grant application and served as the Physical Education PEP Grant Project Director. She was instrumental in changing the curriculum to include lifetime activities such as: golf, archery, kayaking and mountain biking. She also incorporated the use of current technology in physical education utilizing heart rate sensors, iPads, PE apps, pedometers and the Tri-Fit System. She designed a new fitness center and integrated fitness center training into the physical education curriculum. Lynda coordinated the volunteer fitness center supervisor program in an effort to make the center more accessible to students and community members. She created the school store at Sullivan West to provide low-cost school supplies and clothing to students. Lynda has served on the Building Leadership Team and was the Executive Vice-President and is currently the Negotiations Chairperson for West Sullivan's United Teachers. Lynda was recognized Who's Who Among America's Teachers and was the 2014 recipient of the Sullivan County School Boards Association Outstanding Educator Award. It is with great pleasure that the Catskill Zone recognizes Dr. Lynda Bracken as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central North Zone Amazing Person Award is Bruce Risley.
Bruce received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his Master's Degree in Physical Education from Norwich University. He is the district health coordinator, health education teacher and high school physical education teacher for Dolgeville Central School. He serves as the chair of the district's Health Safety Council, he reviews and makes recommendations for annual revisions to the district emergency plans. In addition to his position at Dolgeville, Bruce is a CPR Basic and Wilderness First Aid Instructor for the American Heart Association, a paramedic, volunteer firefighter and a member of the Central Adirondack Search and Rescue Team. In service to the Central North Zone, Bruce is the current Health Education Representative and he assists with the annual Central North Zone Mini-Conference. He has served as photographer for Zone events and has worked to update the Zone website. Bruce has been honored with the American Red Cross Great Hero "Mary Haggerty Educator Award" and the NYS AHPERD Exceptional Leadership Award for a School Health Coordinator. It is with great pleasure that the Central North Zone recognizes Bruce Risley as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central South Zone Amazing Person Award is Marianne Hertzog.
Marianne graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree from the Ithaca College and her Master of Science Degree from SUNY Cortland. She has been a physical education teacher in the Binghamton City School District for the past seventeen years. Marianne is the teacher leader for the physical education department with the responsibility for keeping all physical educators up to date on curriculum, state requirements and new policies. She is a co-coordinator of the Math in Motion Curriculum and she developed lessons and worked cooperatively with WSKG TV to create videos on Learning in Motion. These videos have been made available to teachers nationwide. Marianne has written grants to benefit the physical education department, including a grant for the "Peaceful Playground" program to increase activity during recess in an effort to decrease behavioral issues. She serves on the Wellness Committee for the district and community which includes student and employee wellness, as well as increasing activity opportunities in the community. Marianne has been a fitness instructor at the YMCA and Court Jester Athletic Club for the past twenty-five years and has been a co-coordinator of wellness and fitness days for the past thirteen years. It is with great pleasure that the Central South Zone recognizes Marianne Hertzog as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Central Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Jill MacKerchar.
Jill earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from the College at Brockport and her Master of Science Degree in Health Education from Touro University. She is a high school physical education and middle school health teacher in the Marcus Whitman School District. In Jill's position as district wellness coordinator she sets up biometric screening, wellness days, fitness class opportunities and wellness challenges for faculty and staff. She has coached Special Olympics, girls soccer, lacrosse, and track and she has coordinated Jump Rope for Heart events. Jill helped write a PEP grant for Penn Yan Central School District, which helped to improve students' lifetime fitness. She has been a member of the Central Western Zone board since 2006, where her presence, input, and commitment has been exceptional. She has served as secretary and Section representative for both health education and adapted physical education. She was the publication editor and has presented and presided at both the Zone Mini Conference and NYS AHPERD Conference. Her work and organization on the board has been an asset to the success of Zone Conferences. She is a problem solver, she is there at the drop of a hat-offering input and finding out answers when questions arise. The Central Western Zone thanks Jill for her continued dedication to the Zone. It is with great pleasure that the Central Western Zone recognizes Jill MacKerchar as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Nassau Zone Amazing Person Award is Ryan Fisk.
Ryan received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education, his Master of Science Degree in School Health Education and his Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership from Hofstra University. Ryan is currently an assistant professor at Manhattan College. He is also an instructor trainer and volunteer for the American Red Cross and for eleven years he was a Counselor and Coordinator of the Syosset/Woodbury Summer Recreation Program. Ryan worked on a State Education Department committee to develop an HIV Guidance document frame work. He is active in Nassau Zone serving as the newsletter editor, webmaster and as a member of the Get Moving NY Committee, the Outstanding Student Award Reception Committee and the Membership Recruitment Committee. He has presented various workshops on technology at local, Zone, state and regional conferences and he presented a parent workshop for the Adolescent Health Task Force Community Outreach and an online safety seminar. In service to NYS AHPERD, Ryan assists with the management of the NYS AHPERD social media presence on both Twitter and Facebook, posting profession related relevant articles, news and professional development opportunities. It is with great pleasure that the Nassau Zone recognizes Ryan Fisk as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD New York City Zone Amazing Person Award is Dr. Shawn Ladda.
Shawn earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from Penn State University, a Master of Science Degree in Teaching and Athletic Administration from Springfield College, and both a Master's Degree and Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Teacher's College Columbia University. She is at Manhattan College serving as Professor and Chair in the Department of Physical Education and Human Performance. Shawn is an enthusiastic, active member of SHAPE America and NYS AHPERD. She has been a tireless advocate for girls and women in sport and is a past president of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport and their representative to the AAHPERD Board of Governors. She advocated as part of SHAPE America's sixth annual SPEAK Out! Day on Capitol Hill this year. Shawn is the New York City Zone past-president and former chair of the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award Committee. She has presented at international, national, state and zone conferences and has coordinated her students as presenters and presiders at EDA, NYS AHPERD and Zone Conferences. She has received numerous awards including the AAHPERD Honor Award, NYS AHPERD Professional of the Year Award, Manhattan College's Lasallian Educator of the Year Award and the Higher Education/Professional Preparation Section Amazing Person Award and she had the honor of presenting the Dr. Ron Feingold Lecture Series. It is with great pleasure that the New York City Zone recognizes Dr. Shawn Ladda as their Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Northern Zone Amazing Person Award is Catherine Henry.
Catherine graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from the State University of Maine at Presque Isle and her Master's Degree in Education from SUNY Potsdam. She has been a physical education teacher in the Madrid Waddington Central School District for the past nineteen years. She served as co-chair for the district wellness committee and was the Fitness Center Coordinator for ten years. In addition, Catherine was the Volunteer Ski Club Advisor and the Girls Athletic Association Advisor where she supervised white water rafting trips and high ropes course events. She received her Cooper Fitness Specialist Certification and has coached soccer, softball and basketball at various levels. She served as a board member, youth coach and chaperone for the Madrid Youth Committee for ten years. Catherine hosted students for Service Learning Credit for the past five years and has been a Cooperating Teacher for student teachers on numerous occasions. Catherine has been an active member of the Northern Zone for the past fourteen years and she presented workshops for the Zone Mini Conference titled Backyard Orienteering and The Hunger Games. She was recognized with the Health Quest M.O.V.E. Physical Activity Advocate Award from the St. Lawrence Health Initiative. It is with great pleasure that the Northern Zone recognizes Catherine Henry as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Southeastern Zone Amazing Person Award is Laura Shaw.
Laura earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Rutgers University and her Master of Arts Degree in Physical Education from Montclair State University. She has been a physical education teacher at Dows Lane Elementary School in the Irvington Union Free School District for the past ten years. Laura is the Coordinator of the After-School Program and a member of the district curriculum mapping professional development team. She was a Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator for six years and has been a teacher mentor for new teachers in the district and a cooperating teacher for students from Manhattan College, SUNY Brockport and Hofstra University. In service to NYS AHPERD, Laura is a past president of the Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section, a past program planner for the Secondary Section and she was a Council for Services and Council for Conventions Representative for the Eastern District Association. For the Southeastern Zone, Laura is a past president, secretary, mini-grant coordinator, newsletter editor, and secondary awards chair. She has presented at national, district, state, zone and section conferences. Laura was honored as the NYS AHPERD Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, EDA Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year, Elementary/Middle School Physical Education Section Amazing Person and the Secondary Physical Education Section Amazing Person. It is with great pleasure that the Southeastern Zone recognizes Laura Shaw as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Suffolk Zone Amazing Person Award is Ed Shivokevich.
Ed received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and his Master of Science Degree in Physical Education from Hofstra University. He is an elementary physical education teacher at Accompsett Elementary School in the Smithtown Central School District. Ed held the position of Club Pro at two local racquetball clubs and served as vice president of the New Your State Racquetball Association. He created an American History curriculum where students learn history lessons through physical activity, working closely with classroom teachers. He presented at the national Conference in St. Louis and has presented at NYS AHPERD Conferences as well as state conferences in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Virginia and Montana. He created and implemented the "International Playground" program where 5th grade students learn playground games from foreign countries then teach these games to primary grade students, fostering leadership, caring and social skill development. He wrote and directed the 5th grade play "ENERGY" where students performed various physical education based acts choreographed to music. It is with great pleasure that the Suffolk Zone recognizes Ed Shivokevich as their 2014 Amazing Person.
The 2014 recipient of the NYS AHPERD Western Zone Amazing Person Award is Stacy Walker.
Matt received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Canisius College and his Master of Science Degree in Adapted Physical Education from the University of Virginia. He has been a physical education and adapted physical education teacher in the East Syracuse-Minoa School District for the past thirteen years. Matt wrote a grant to obtain equipment necessary to establish bicycle, kayak and canoe and archery programs that would successfully include children with disabilities. He has been a volunteer and coach for the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged and he coached local Special Olympic events. He is a Board Member and Volunteer Ski Instructor for ARISE Inc., a non-profit, community-based organization whose mission is to ensure everyone, regardless of disability, has the power to make life choices and achieve their dreams. In service to NYS AHPERD, Matt is a past president of the Adapted Physical Education Section. He has presented on district staff development days, at Central North Zone mini-conferences and NYS AHPERD Conferences. Matt has been honored with the NYS AHPERD Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, Central North Zone Adapted Teacher of the Year and as the Outstanding Coach for Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged. It is with great pleasure that the Adapted Physical Education Section recognizes Matt Dadey as their 2014 Amazing Person.