George Velarde, head of the Physical Education department at Sierra Vista Junior High School, has been awarded a Gold Medal by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness in a Sports Spotlight Award ceremony in Sacramento this week. As a Gold Medalist, Velarde will receive $10,000 for his school's P.E. program.

Sierra Vista's P.E. program involves equipment that challenges students to develop their fitness level. The program has had a remarkable effect on student fitness. Over the past five years, the percentage of Sierra Vista students scoring in the Healthy Fitness Zone on the state Physical Fitness Test has increased significantly and is now the highest in the Hart district and one of the highest in the state.

Gold Medal winners were announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Council Chairman Jake Steinfeld at an awards ceremony at the Capitol Area East End Complex Auditorium in Sacramento. The Spotlight Awards recognize the efforts of principals, teachers, non-profit organizations, events, park programs, parent associations and schools that positively impact the physical activity, fitness levels and well being of California children.