AAHPERD 2009 National Convention Tampa, FL
by: Stephanye Peek

Wow! I am energized by attending my first AAHPERD Convention inTampa from March 31 to April 4. I was a little overwhelmed when I received my book of over 700 programs at registration. Thankfully the book was very organized and was marked for easy
view with day by day programs starting with Tuesday - Saturday. I was proud to wear my badge as it included many colorful ribbons that included a Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator ribbon, Delegate to Southern District AAHPERD, Alliance Assembly
Delegate ribbon, and an Award Recipient ribbon.

It was truly an honor to meet up with some familiar faces such as Kim Thompson, Cecil Merritt, Cerie Godfrey, Shannon Williams, Michael Wilson, Jacque Harbison, Patty Johnson, and Jeanne Huck. While I attended the convention I met Monica
Mize( AAHPERD President '09); John Bennett (AAHPERD Past President'08); Bea Oar(Centennial AAHPERD President '85 in Atlanta); Milton Wilder (Southern District AAHPERD President '09); Dana Brooks (AAHPERD President '10 - He will be
our keynote speaker at our GA AHPERD Convention in Atlanta, Oct. 31 - Nov.3, 2009); and Suzy Corace (Florida AHPERD President '09) and more. The exhibit hall was grand with lots of the latest HPERD equipment and the newest publications.

This year's theme for the convention was "Many Voices... One Mission", speaks to the need for the many voices of our members and to achieve our mission which is "to promote and support leadership, research, education, and best practices in the professions that support creative, healthy, and active lifestyles".
I am energized to be the best president-elect of Georgia AHPERD, so join me and let's stay active and fit for life for an organization that supports you! Please Check out a few of the pictures I was able to capture during my short stay in Tampa.

Mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:

Oct. 31 - Nov. 3, 2009 - Georgia AHPERD Convention - Atlanta Georgia

Feb. 10 - 14, 2010 - Southern District AHPERD Convention - Myrtle Beach, SC - "Into the Wind" with our own Executive Director, Jacque Harbison, presiding as President. March 16-20, 2010 - AAHPERD Convention - Indianapolis, Indiana - 125 years Anniversary - "Strength through Partnership"

Congratulations to the following who received Awards:

2009 Southern District Jump Rope for Hear Coordinator - Jeanne Huck - Chalker Elementary, Cobb County Schools

2009 National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year - David Martinez - Cherokee County Schools

2009 Taylor Dodson Award - Shannon Williams - Health and Physical Education Coordinator of DeKalb County Schools