Hudson Elementary PE Teacher in the national spotlight for heart health

LENOIR, NC (February 28, 2017)…Moira Brookshire, a physical education teacher at Hudson Elementary School has been selected to receive one of only 10 national grants for Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart awarded by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators. She will be recognized on March 16 during the association’s Celebration of Professional Excellence Ceremony at its National Convention & Expo in Boston this month.

Brookshire will hold her 19th school-wide heart health event March 1 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Over the years, students have raised more than $36,000.

“We were ranked #1 in the county last year and #8 in the Western North Carolina Region,” said Brookshire. “The kids here at Hudson Elementary do an amazing job! We raised $4,800 last year for the American Heart Association, and our goal this year is $5,500.”

Brookshire used to teach high school physical education but made the choice to move to Hudson Elementary School. “Working with high school age students for fourteen years, I witnessed unhealthy lifestyle choices, serious medical issues, and many students who led inactive lives. I made the move to Hudson Elementary School, so I could affect healthy changes at a much earlier age.”

At Hudson Elementary School, the month of March is known for more than Dr. Seuss’s Read Across America. “Hoops for Heart Madness Month” kicks off, when students wear their favorite basketball team apparel and during the month recognize family members or loved ones who have heart related health problems by writing the name on a heart and placing them on the gym wall. To reinforce the heart-healthy messages, some of the school staff dress up as members of the JRFH/HFH ‘Zoo Crew.’ Each animal friend has its own heart-healthy message, many of which are already taught in health and PE.

Brookshire said that participating in the Hoops for Heart program is a fun way to begin to encourage students to form healthy habits while giving back.

With a degree in physical education from Pfeiffer University, a master’s degree in administration from Gardner-Webb University and national board certification, she said that she fully understands and sometimes witnesses the impact of inactivity and poor nutrition with students.

“There is a need to increase awareness of staying active and healthy,” said Brookshire.

As part of the grant package, she will receive a US Games gift certificate to enhance her PE program, a free one-year membership to SHAPE America as well as expenses paid for travel and registration to the national convention. Learn more about the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo.