Massena -  Donna MacPherson, physical education teacher at Trinity Catholic School, was recognized by fellow Physical Education teachers in the Northern Zone With the“2011 Amazing Person Award,” This recognition is based upon distinguished and notable accomplishments that have made a significant difference in the health and education of students.

Mrs. MacPherson received her bachelor's degree in health and physical education from The College At Brockport and her permanent certification from SUNY Potsdam.

At Trinity Catholic, she is a member of the School Wellness Committee, and in that capacity served as the school’s coordinator for completing the School Health Index. . She is an American Council on Exercise, Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Cooper Institute Fitness Specialist, Physical Best Instructor, Certified Spinning Instructor, and licensed Zumba, Zumbatombic and Zumba Gold instructor.

Utilizing her fitness expertise,  Mrs. MacPherson started an after school physical education club and Zumbatomic classes, as well as a fitness group for faculty and staff. She presented at a diocesan wide superintendent's conference day on the use of the P.E. Profile assessment and its affect on the intermediate and elementary levels.

Mrs. McPherson and a colleague created computer-based student portfolios for essential physical education skills and later presented on the use of these portfolios along with suggestions in designing standards based classes and the importance of performing assessments.

She was a contributor to a grant that was received by the diocese for the advancement of quality physical education classes and for implementation of wellness policies throughout the diocese. She is now actively involved in the work of fulfilling the requirements of the grant.

Joan Rufa, principal of Trinity Catholic, said, “It is no surprise to the faculty, staff, students, and parents of Trinity Catholic that Mrs. MacPherson is an amazing person.  The establishment of their second Wellness Week is only one of the hundreds of ways she promotes good health practices at Trinity Catholic School.”

Donna MacPherson, PE teacher at Trinity Catholic School, was recognized by fellow Physical Education teachers in the Northern Zone.  She received their “2011 Amazing Person Award,” which was given at the NYS AHPERD conference.   This recognition is based upon distinguished and notable accomplishments that have made a significant difference in the health and education of students.