Reuter is the physical education teacher at Bella Vista Elementary School and learned this week that the school is the Sierra Cascade Regional award-winner for the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Challenge Competition.
Part of the award includes a $5,000 check for physical activity equipment, a $1,000 gift card to a CVS pharmacy and a banner that hangs outside the school.
"This is amazing," Reuter said.
In order for schools to become finalists - more than 1,000 began the competition - students had to successfully complete the Governor's Challenge, which requires physical activity for 30 to 60 minutes a day, at least three days a week, for a month.
The minutes that students spend in PE class don't count toward completing the challenge. Schools have to find ways to get students active on their own time.
Every one of Bella Vista's 430 students completed the challenge, Reuter said.
"I really think this has opened some the kids' eyes to different kinds of activities," she said.
Along with Bella Vista, the competing schools in Shasta County were Happy Valley Primary in Anderson, North Cow Creek Elementary in Palo Cedro, Enterprise High in Redding, and Grand Oaks Elementary and Shasta Lake School, both in Shasta Lake.
"The students, parents and teachers at Bella Vista have demonstrated their commitment to fitness in a big way," said Jake Steinfeld, the chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Bella Vista's 430 students recorded an astounding 16,735 days of physical activity over the course of the challenge, he said.
Statewide, students participating in the program logged more than 5.8 million days of physical activity, more activity than was recorded through similar fitness challenges in all the other states in the country combined, he said.
Bella Vista now is waiting for its check and banner. The $5,000 can be spent on anything that promotes physical activities, not just gym equipment, Reuter said. Once the school gets the money, they'll decide on just how to spend it, she added.
Ultimately, Reuter hopes they find equipment that will get the kids excited about being active.
"Being active is fun," she said.
Reporter Rob Rogers can be reached at 225-8217 or at rrogers@redding.com.
