April 11, 2014

Manchin Praises Mercer County Teacher on Nationally-Recognized Outstanding Performance

Award-winning Princeton teacher honored as Midwest District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today congratulated Princeton resident and Mercer Elementary School teacher Aleta Jo Crotty for being honored as the Midwest District Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). The award is given each year in recognition of outstanding teaching performance at the elementary school level and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity. 

Crotty, who has been teaching physical education at Mercer Elementary School for the past 14 years, was also a finalist for the distinguished honor of National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

“I know that I speak for all West Virginians in congratulating our native Princeton teacher, Aleta Jo Crotty, on being recognized nationally for her dedication to the health, wellness and education of our students in West Virginia,” Senator Manchin said. “Aleta has a proven track record of motivating and challenging our kids in new and innovative ways that allow them to reach the highest levels of achievement when exercising and participating in physical activities. I’m so proud of her and thank her for representing the state of West Virginia in such a positive way.”

Crotty has received several recognitions during her career, including: Mercer Elementary and Mercer County Teacher of the Year, West Virginia Elementary P.E. Teacher of the Year finalist, and Jump Rope for Heart grant recipient and national award winner. Her professional affiliations include 2013 WVAHPERD president-elect and memberships with AAHPERD, the West Virginia Education Association and the National Education Association.
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