D58 Teacher Honored for 26 Years, $156,000 Raised for 'Jump Rope for Heart'

If jumping rope for three hours doesn’t get your heart going, then perhaps a surprise award will.

On January 25, Physical Education instructor Pat Brown was busy hosting Lester’s annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraising event—as she has done for the past 26 years—when Principal Carin Novak, Lester PTA officers and a crowd of parents and friends gave her a surprise.  They presented Brown with the National PTA Life Achievement Award— the highest honor from the nation’s largest child advocacy organization. 

“This award is given to someone who goes above and beyond for all children, and acts as a tireless advocate for children’s education, health and well-being.  No one embodies that more than Pat Brown,” announced Lester PTA President Ann Cummins.

Brown has taught for nearly 30 years, 26 of those at Lester School.  She has brought innovative physical education instruction to the district, instituting “Movin’ in the Morning,” a before-school activity based program; “Motor Club,” an after-school program for first-graders; and an after-school intramural volleyball program for sixth-graders that culminates with a game against the staff. Through her commitment to the Jump Rope for Heart charity, Lester has raised more than $156,000 for the American Heart Association and remains the only school to devote a weekend day to the program.

“Mrs. Brown’s energy, passion and dedication are amazing, “ said Lester PTA President-Elect Kim Peters.  “We feel so lucky to have her at Lester.”

 As part of the award, Mrs. Brown received a certificate of recognition as well as a 10-karat gold lapel pin.  She was joined at the event by her husband, as well as her daughter Amy Freitag, who is a third-grade teacher at Lester.

–Story Submitted by District 58