Karen Gafner
By: Tina Shively
Updated: June 21, 2010
Running after kids on the fields at Terry Taylor Elementary School in Spencerport is all in a days' work for Karen Gafner. As a physical educaton teacher, she tries to inspire them to get moving every day, and that makes her a Healthy Hero.
"We know for a fact that one of the benefits of exercise is that the more you exercise, the better you feel, so if I can catch them at 5 and keep it going, then away we go," said Gafner.
Gafner's Jump Rope for Heart program's been encouraging students to get moving for 23 years. Her intramural programs include basketball, floor hockey, softball and other games for kids who aren't involved in competitive team sports.
Gafner's annual turkey trot and field day involves both parents and teachers, too. It's an effort to keep the whole school and community active.
"By making a connection for kids, it makes a connection for them, and if they want to do math or something they may be able to tie that in and bring that kid around," said Gafner.
Gafner says she not only gets involved in their games on the field... She tries to take her vitamins, drink plenty of water and eat healthy to lead by example. It's a tactic she's had plenty of success with before.
"Kids know. They know when you're lying or teling the truth. They know when you're giving them a story, and if you can get them to believe it, they'll try it. And once they try it they'll love it," said Gafner.
"We know for a fact that one of the benefits of exercise is that the more you exercise, the better you feel, so if I can catch them at 5 and keep it going, then away we go," said Gafner.
Gafner's Jump Rope for Heart program's been encouraging students to get moving for 23 years. Her intramural programs include basketball, floor hockey, softball and other games for kids who aren't involved in competitive team sports.
Gafner's annual turkey trot and field day involves both parents and teachers, too. It's an effort to keep the whole school and community active.
"By making a connection for kids, it makes a connection for them, and if they want to do math or something they may be able to tie that in and bring that kid around," said Gafner.
Gafner says she not only gets involved in their games on the field... She tries to take her vitamins, drink plenty of water and eat healthy to lead by example. It's a tactic she's had plenty of success with before.
"Kids know. They know when you're lying or teling the truth. They know when you're giving them a story, and if you can get them to believe it, they'll try it. And once they try it they'll love it," said Gafner.
