RUSSELLVILLE Ark. - Mrs. Cherish Holt, the Physical Education teacher at Russellville Intermediate School, was voted as the 2022 Arkansas Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Elementary Teacher of the Year. This award identifies education professionals who demonstrate high qualities of excellence in the teaching field.
Mrs. Holt says, “Receiving this award is extremely humbling. Our state has so many amazing P.E. teachers, and I am very excited to be recognized among them.” In addition to recognition at the state level, this award qualifies Mrs. Holt for entrance into the SHAPE America’s Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year award.
Mrs. Holt has been in education for 23 years. Upon graduating from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Mrs. Holt began her career at Russellville Intermediate School. The first 10 years of her career were spent teaching math and science, before switching to Physical Education.
Mrs. Holt’s passion for teaching and serving students expands outside of the classroom as well. She plans the Russellville Junior Firefighter Challenge for RIS and assists in organizing the 5th grade camp for over 400 students. Serving as a resource to staff, Mrs. Holt develops a monthly 'Healthy Habits and Recipes" newsletter to inspire healthy lifestyles and runs a staff fitness challenge in the spring.
She says, “The highlight of being a P.E. teacher, is that I get to know every student that comes through Russellville School District. RIS is a special school, and I am so glad I get to serve all the students that come through here.”
RSD is lucky to have you, Mrs.Holt. Thank you for all you do!