Simpsonville Teacher Wins National Fitness Award

Brimming with brio and oozing enthusiasm, popular Simpsonville Elementary PE teacher, Christine Almond, received a national award Wednesday for her efforts to inspire students' physical fitness.

After receiving the award at a surprise ceremony at the school from Project Fit America and local sponsor, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, Almond wasted no time in putting students through their paces, doing chin-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises.

Students crowded around the energetic teacher, eagerly raising their hands to participate in various exercises, all the while receiving encouragement and praise from Almond.

Almond is just one of six teachers nationwide, and the only one from South Carolina, to be recognized for promoting fitness in schools by Project Fit America as part of its annual "All Star Teacher" Showcase.

The school and Bon Secours summed up Almond's unique spirit in their nomination of her:

"This is THE MOST enthusiastic teacher whose passion is contagious… and all of her students have “fitness fever!” Her principal Jan James said, “She has not only embraced the program with her knowledge, energy and enthusiasm but she has wrapped her heart around it as well. She jumped right into the deep end from the very beginning.” 

Christine has tapped into the heart of and soul of her school, students, fellow teachers and parents. There are so many extraordinary student stories Christine shares it is hard to believe she is just completing her second year of this program!  

This teacher raises the bar and sets the standard for what it means to be an All Star Teacher. We are extremely proud to share her story and program with you. She is PE caffeine and will really “get you going!” 

Sweaty but still bounding with energy after her late morning workout with students, a smiling and happy Almond said: "I feel so humbled that I've been chosen for this. It is quite a huge award. I'm also excited because we are trying to show what fitness is and what it can do for the kids in Greenville County Schools."

Nearly breathless with excitement, Almond also told Patch that fitness is not only a passion of hers, it's the basis of a full and rewarding life that she feels compelled to share with others.

"Without [fitness] we're dead!" she exclaimed. "We need life, and you get life by the way that you eat healthy. You get life by the way we exercise and move. So this is the foundation that we have for everything in our lives."

See the Patch video of Almond above.