IN North Allegheny Spring 2019 | Page 17

“ Fitness is a journey, not a destination. W e’re all athletes—we just have to find the right path. My passion is to help everyone understand that it doesn’t matter how they move—they just have to move more.” program called Kids of Steel, which was instituted by Jackson. The program encourages students to be more physically active during school and as an extracurricular activity. As a reward for their hard work, students are invited to run the final mile of the program in Pittsburgh’s annual Kids Marathon. “Students and parents have now expanded their race selection to include the PGH 5K, especially older kids who now realize a mile is too easy for them,” says Jackson. “The marathon weekend is such a great experience for everyone who gets involved.” Jackson was nominated for Physical Educator of the Year by Randy Nichols of Slippery Rock University, where Jackson serves on the Student Wellness advisory board and has worked with several student teachers who he assists in becoming wellness advocates. After the nomination, there was a lengthy application process that included several essays and a full resume. Jackson received a $200 US Games gift card to purchase equipment for students at Peebles to use. Jackson and North Allegheny School District were also nominated for the 2018 Heart Award by the president of PSAHPERD, Coleen Weigmont, since the district has raised over 1 million lifetime dollars through Jump Rope for Heart. “My future plans are to keep promoting fitness and wellness as a lifelong quest,” says Jackson. “Fitness is a journey, not a destination. I also plan to continue to promote lifelong fitness activities to the younger generations, so all students can find something physical they can enjoy doing. We’re all athletes—we just have to find the right path. My passion is to help everyone understand that it doesn’t matter how they move—they just have to move more.”   ■ Leonard Cyterski DMD, MS Board Certified Straight Teeth & Beautiful Smiles Clear Braces / Invisalign Available Day-Evening & Saturday Hours Adults and Children Affordable Payment Plans Most Insurance Accepted Clear Aligners/Invisalign treatments Options for over 20 years!!! 412-492-8700 4485 Route 8, Allison Park www.cyterskiorthodontics.com Providence Heights ALPHA SCHOOL Building Strong Founda�ons Open House May 15th 5-7pm Private Tours Available Any�me Enrolling PreK to 8th Grade Now www.AlphaSchool.org Pictured (l to r): Caitlin Ewing (NAI), Chris Jackson (Peebles), Dean Boronyak (Ingomar Elementary), Dr. Robert Scherrer (Superintendent), Melanie Lynch (NAI), David Schmidt (NAI) and Jenna Fraser (NAI). 412-366-4455 9000 Babcock Blvd, Allison Park, PA 15101 NORTH ALLEGHENY ❘ SPRING 2019 15