Tom Warren is all about fitness.

The Centerville Elementary physical education teacher regularly challenges his students, peers and the community to keep moving, stay active and live a healthy lifestyle. He does whatever he can to make health and fitness a priority in children’s lives not just during school hours but year-round.

The 15-year veteran teacher has been named 2014 – 2015 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (VAHPERD). Warren was selected by his peers from a statewide pool.

“It is always an honor to be recognized for your work and accomplishments,” Warren said. “That recognition becomes more special when you are acknowledged by your peers for your body of work and the creative things you teach in physical education to get kids excited, healthy and moving.”

Warren is known for creating physical education lessons that are 45 minutes of total active involvement. From the tossing of 1,000 bottle caps on an inside gym day where he had the students come together to collect, categorize and count them to the Winter Olympic Games he has hosted in the gym on the coldest of days, the activities he offers are what make students love health and physical education.

Before winter holiday, he provides activities that he has named the “Twelve Days of Fitness,” and after the holiday he has set up “Winter Wonderland” stations. He even has his students participate in World Speed Stack Day to help break the Guinness World Record for the most people speed stacking in one day.

He actively involves students and their families in other activities such as Jump Rope for Heart and the Final Mile and activity runners total 25.1 miles leading up to the Shamrock Marathon and then finish the final mile on the race course.

Warren has mentored student teachers, new and existing teachers. He has given numerous presentations to VBCPS teachers and at VAHPERD conferences.

According to Brenda Fuller, Coordinator of Health and Physical Education, Warren is that type of teacher that every parent should want for their children. “Mr. Warren models and delivers the highest quality health and physical program to his staff, students, parents and the community. His ability to share with his peers, work with new teachers, and provide professional development on the local and state level is such extraordinary quality to own. He loves his profession and is an inspiration to us all.”