PORT ANGELES — Krista Winn, a physical education teacher at Hamilton Elementary School, is one of 60 people in the nation to receive the Leadership Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
The award is given annually to individuals or organizations who improve the lives of others within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activities, fitness and nutrition-related programs.
This year, in honor of its 60th anniversary, the President’s Council presented the award to 60 recipients across the nation.
“Krista has worked to consistently promote opportunities for individuals to lead healthy lifestyles through physical activity and/or healthy nutrition,” said Shellie Pfohl, executive director of the group.
“Because of Krista’s efforts and contributions, her community can embrace a more active lifestyle.”
To advocate for healthful living habits, Winn has helped create the Washington State Health and Fitness Academic Learning Standards used by all physical education teachers in Washington.
She served as treasurer for the Washington chapter of the Society of Health and Physical Educators.
She has applied for and been awarded several grants to provide adequate equipment for her students.
And she has worked with businesses in the community to involve the whole family in health and fitness.
“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the help and support of the staff and families at Hamilton,” Winn said.
“They go along with my crazy ideas and participate in activities to be role models for our students.”
Hamilton Elementary staff and families “have participated in monthly Family Fitness Nights this year, some of which have been led by members of the community,” Winn continued.
“We also had a nutrition scavenger hunt at a local grocery store to celebrate National Nutrition Month in March.
“We are very blessed to live in a community that supports the mission of physical education” that provides “students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to lead healthy and active lifestyles,” she said.
The PE staff is writing an application for a large federal grant that requires community partnerships, Winn said Friday.
“Many applicants find that part of the application difficult to do, but for us, it has been easy since we already have these partnerships in place,” she said.
Winn also has led the Port Angeles School District’s Fuel Up to Play 60 efforts and played an instrumental part in encouraging all five Port Angeles elementary schools to participate in and apply for funding through the Washington State Dairy Council, school officials said.
Winn is working on a project with the school district and city to provide running paths and exercise stations at all elementary and middle schools as part of the Let’s Move Active Schools and Let’s Move Active Cities.
“Krista is a local hometown hero who is making Port Angeles a healthier place to live for all generations,” said Cherie Kidd, Port Angeles deputy mayor.
Winn has taught PE for 31 years — 26 at Hamilton after transferring from the Bethel School District.
“I must be doing something right because my children are following in my footsteps,” she said.
“My daughter, Kelly, [graduated Saturday] from Western State Colorado University with a degree in exercise sport science and sport psychology. My son, Nels, also attends WSCU and is studying to become a PE teacher. He will graduate in two years.”
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is composed of up to 25 volunteer citizens, including athletes, chefs, physicians, fitness and nutrition professionals, and physical educators who are appointed by the president and serve in an advisory capacity through the secretary of Health and Human Services.
It is co-chaired by NFL quarterback Drew Brees and Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes.
For more information, visit www.fitness.gov.
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Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.