Newark High School Physical Education teacher Allison Trapasso was named New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD) Central Western Zone’s Secondary Physical Education Teacher of the Year March 2 at SUNY Brockport.
According to the organization’s website, “NYS AHPERD is a professional membership service organization comprised of a strong, vibrant group of committed, dynamic members who care deeply about their teaching, students, athletes and their school communities.”
The organization’s Central Western Zone (CWZ) is made up of members living and/or working in Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. The organization works to enhance members knowledge and skills, ensuring their students have the highest quality health and physical education programs possible.
Trapasso, who has been a PE teacher at NHS for 3 ½ years and was a K-5 PE teacher in the Marathon Central School District for 3 years prior to coming to NHS, was nominated for the award by two of her professors at SUNY Brockport _ Sherri Treadwell, who teaches Secondary PE Methods and is Student Teaching coordinator and supervisor and Alisa James, who teaches Elementary PE Methods.
In a letter announcing Trapasso’s award, Michelle Craig, the award chairperson for AHPERD’s CWZ, said that upon receiving the letter nominating her, the committee “reviewed your accomplishments and teacher assets.”
“Our committee believes that you should be acknowledged for your dedication and passion for teaching secondary physical education.”
“I am truly over the moon to be named the Central Western Zone Physical Education Secondary Teacher of the Year,” Trapasso said. “I love what I do and I want to get better at it all the time, so for anyone to think I am worthy of being teacher of the year means that I am headed in that direction. I am so thankful to my professors who nominated me and helped show me the way of being a teacher when I was young, I am proud to show them what I am doing in my career.I love working at Newark and I truly love the students and athletes that I work with here. I am definitely in the right profession and I have a lot left that I want to accomplish within it.”
“Mrs. Trapasso is an incredible asset to our high school community. Her dedication to fostering positive relationships with her students not only enhances their educational experience but also sets a remarkable standard for leadership within our district,” Jonathan Mastin, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics said afterward. “Congratulations Mrs. Trapasso, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to physical education and student development!”
“I am so proud to have Allie on our staff!” said NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke. “This recognition is one that celebrates and acknowledges all of her hard work and commitment to our students here in Newark. It is well deserved, as she is an asset to our school!”