Visclosky Congratulates President’s Challenge Physical Fitness State Champion Winners St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Munster

Munster, IN – Congressman Visclosky announced that St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Munster has been named a 2011-2012 President’s Challenge Physical Fitness State Champion Winner.

St. Paul’s was one of three schools in the State of Indiana selected. State Champion Winners are schools with the highest number of students scoring at or above the 85th percentile on the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test. St. Paul’s will receive a distinctive award certificate as well as statewide and national recognition for their achievement.

Barb Mertens, Principal of St. Paul’s, expressed her gratitude for the school’s selection for a State Champion Award. “St. Paul’s Lutheran School is honored to be a recipient of this award. Our main goal is to improve physical health, promote healthy lifestyle choices, and learn the five areas of fitness,” she said.

According to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, the five components of the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test assess five areas of physical fitness: a one-mile run and walk for heart and lung endurance; curl-ups for abdominal strength and endurance; a “sit-and-reach” stretch for flexibility; pull-ups for upper body strength and endurance; and a shuttle run for agility. Ms. Mertens noted the positive impact the program had on St. Paul’s students.

“From the start of this program, we saw a change in the students’ attitudes. There was an excitement to achieve the goal with a good attitude and spirit. The teachers identified an improvement in their students’ self-esteem. Students are proud of their accomplishments and we are proud of the students,” Ms. Mertens said.

Congressman Visclosky added, “I congratulate all of the dedicated students and staff of St. Paul’s Lutheran School for their efforts to earn this award. When Northwest Indiana’s young people are active and healthy, they arrive at school ready to learn, grow, and achieve. A healthy start means a healthy future.”