News and Events

 Leggett teacher named gold medal winner

 http://www.willitsnews.com/ci_10726908

 October 15, 2008

 Michelle Kelley (The Willits News)

 Leggett teacher Michelle Kelley has been named a Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Award gold medal winner by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation. Kelley received $10,000 from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld on September 17, at an awards ceremony in Sacramento.

The Spotlight Awards recognize the efforts of principals, teachers, nonprofit organizations, companies, events, park programs, and schools that positively impact the physical activity, fitness levels and well being of California children.

"I congratulate this year's Gold Medal winners of my Governor's Council on Physical Fitness Challenge," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

"Anthem Blue Cross Foundation recognizes the benefits of physical fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle," said Leslie A. Margolin, president of Anthem Blue Cross of California. "As the Presenting Sponsor of the Spotlight Awards, the foundation is delighted to be supporting efforts to instill the importance of wellness in the children of our state. We're also thrilled to announce today that the foundation is continuing as a major sponsor of the Governor's Council and the sole sponsor of the Spotlight Awards in 2009 with an additional investment of $382,600."

After graduating from Humboldt State University 17 years ago, Kelley returned to the small town she grew up in to teach physical education. During her tenure at Leggett Valley Schools, she has worn multiple hats from t-ball coach to athletic director, and served as both advocate and role-model. She developed, implemented and taught Leggett's first-through 12th grade physical education program and has promoted healthy lifestyle and fitness habits.

In addition to teaching her physical education classes, Kelley has facilitated numerous workshops involving fun physical activities like dance, yoga, and hoola hooping and has led free and low-cost soccer and basketball camps.

Recognizing that her community lacks access to many physical fitness opportunities, Kelley has led her students on camping, hiking, snow boarding, skiing, kayaking and snorkeling trips to Death Valley, Yosemite, Lassen National Park, and Lava Beds National Monument. Most recently, Kelley took her students to Humboldt State University's Human Performance lab to participate in body composition tests and nutritional analysis.