Liz Giles-Brown of Boothbay Harbor, a well-known name in many schools across Maine for her Spindrifters jump rope demo team, will be nationally recognized for her work in educating students on how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle through the Jump Rope For Heart (JRFH) program. JRFH and Hoops For Heart are national educational fund development programs co-sponsored by SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators and the American Heart Association.

SHAPE America will honor the South Bristol and Southport Central School physical education teacher with the 2016 National JRFH Recognition Award on April 7 during the Celebration of Professional Excellence Ceremony, at its National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis. April 5-9. Giles-Brown will hold her annual school-wide JRFH event in South Bristol on February 4 from 9-11 a.m. as part of American Heart Month and at Southport Central School on April 12.

The national award is given to a SHAPE America member who is a JRFH coordinator and demonstrates commitment, leadership, and creative involvement to the program and to the national nonprofit membership association. The funds raised go toward cardiovascular disease and stroke research and health education. JRFH promotes physical education and is shining example of 50 Million Strong by 2029, SHAPE America’s national commitment to empower all children to lead healthy and active lives through effective health and physical education programs.

Giles-Brown first started a jump rope club more than 20 years ago in 1992. Her love for the program inspired her to start Maine’s first ever JRFH demonstration team, the Spindrifters in 1995. The team started out with just eight kids and has grown to at times include 40-50 percent of the student body. Each year, the Spindrifters travel from their small community in South Bristol to 10 schools across the state.

“We have inspired many teachers and students to start their own Jump Rope For Heart club or program,” says Giles-Brown. “Our message is clear. Find the physical activities you love and get out there and get moving for at least 60 minutes a day!”
Many of the schools have gone on to raise thousands of dollars in the fight against heart disease and prevention.

Back at South Bristol School, teachers, parents and students work together to create new and interesting ways to jump rope for the award-winning educator’s JRFH event. It ends with the school’s signature “Jump Off,” a friendly competition between students and adults.

“As I see my students work together, showing what they have learned, I find that it truly epitomizes what I have tried to build in both my physical education and Jump Rope For Heart program – confidence and unity,” says Giles-Brown.

While Giles-Brown credits the program’s success to dedicated students and continuous support from parents, the community, school staff and administration, colleagues say it all starts with her!

“Liz is one of the most energetic and enthusiastic educators! After she and her demo team visit my school, jump ropes are found everywhere on our playground. Our students can hardly wait for the Jump Rope event to take place,” says Kathy Earle, a physical education teacher at Falmouth Elementary School.

When she is not busy working with her demo team, Giles-Brown helps run a jump and juggle club at Southport Central School.

The 29-year veteran PE teacher has presented numerous PE and JRFH workshops in her state. She has also served on curriculum committees and offered her expertise in student assessment. Giles-Brown has authored several books and contributed to writing articles for SHAPE America’s Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (JOPERD) and Strategies. In addition, she has developed a website centered around the development and promotion of creating brain compatible multi-sensory experiences for students.

In past years, Giles-Brown has served on the executive board of the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) and has been the recipient of its Jump Rope For Heart Outstanding Coordinator Award, Distinguished Leadership Award and Elementary Physical Education Teacher Of the Year Award.

She holds a master’s degree in education/physical education from the University of Maine, Orono and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Plymouth State University.

For more information about SHAPE America’s National Convention & Expo, visit the website and follow the hashtag #SHAPEMinneapolis.