Guilford County Schools PE Teacher "Keep Moving"

December 12, 2007

Russ McHenry, Physical Education (PE) teacher at Northern Middle, was named the North Carolina Middle School PE Teacher of the Year by the Physical Education Association.

The award was given at the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state conference in November. As the North Carolina Middle School PE Teacher of the Year, McHenry received an honorary plaque.

“I was honored and humbled to represent the outstanding physical education teachers throughout Guilford County and the wonderful state of North Carolina,” McHenry said. “I feel challenged to continue giving my best and motivate Northern Middle School students to ‘keep moving.’”

McHenry was selected for: conducting a quality physical education program, using various teaching methods and planning innovative experiences to meet the needs of all students, serving as a positive role model for physical education, participating in professional development opportunities and providing service to the profession through leadership, presentations and/or writing.

“The administration and staff at Northern Middle are proud that Russ McHenry has been named NC Middle School PE Teacher of the Year,” said Dr. Sam Misher, Northern principal. “Coach McHenry is a caring and enthusiastic individual who always puts students first in his commitment to our school’s motto of, Expecting Excellence Every Day.”

McHenry hopes that all of his students develop lifelong, active lifestyles and pursue excellence in all aspects of education. As a PE teacher, he enjoys watching students learn and experience success. “From the time I was very young, I found great satisfaction in accomplishing the physical skills of competition and sport,” McHenry explained. “As I became older, I wanted to share with young people the joy of participation, the building of self-confidence in physical activity, the development of healthy lifestyles and a commitment to total education.”