November 16, 1920 - A meeting was held in Topeka on November 16, 1920 for the purpose of organizing a Kansas Physical Education Association. A constitution was drafted at this meeting as well as a proposal that would require health and physical education in all Kansas public elementary and secondary schools. The proposal was given to the Kansas Legislature for action. Elected officers at the first meeting were:

• Dr. James Naismith, President
• Katherine Rawles, First Vice-President
• Grace Elmore, Second Vice-President
• Clair Turner, Third Vice-President
• Edna McCullough, Secretary-Treasurer

Other persons in attendance besides elected officers were Dr. Crumbine, L.P. Dittemore, and Ethel Ireland. All members in attendance paid initial dues of one dollar. 

1928
The 1920 meeting was the only meeting held until November, 1928. L. P. Dittemore called upon all persons interested in physical education to meet at the close of the Kansas State Teachers Association physical education round table. It was decided to once again try to organize a state association of physical education. They decided on the name of Kansas State Physical Education Association (KSPEA). 

1929
The first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Kansas State Physical Education Association was held in the Board of Education offices in Topeka on April 6, 1929. Those present at this meeting were: President L.P. Washburn, Gladys Tufts, Secretary-Treasurer; Strong Hinman, Edna McCullough, and L.P. Dittemore. The purpose of this meeting was to draw up a constitution to be presented to all of the physical education directors and other interested persons. 

1929
The balance in the bank for the Association was $18.15. 

1929
The first convention was held at Wichita North High School, November 1, 1929. Sixty-four members attended the first convention. The guest speaker for the first session was J.F. Rogers of the National Physical Education Service speaking on, “How to Secure a State Superintendent of Physical Education.” The proposed constitution was read to those in attendance and adopted as read by the assembled association members. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1920 - James Naismith
1928-29 - L.P. Washburn 

Miss Mable Lee, of Nebraska, presented a paper titled, “How the American Physical Education Association Can Help Us With Our Problems.” 

1931
James Naismith receives the National Honor Award. 

The Bulletin, the predecessor to The Journal, begins with Volume 1. 

A survey was made for the purpose of determining the needs of physical education and to determine the status of physical education in the public schools. 

Other projects carried on by the association were: to work for a state law for medical examinations for all school children; a request to the State Superintendent to raise the requirements for teachers of physical education; set up standards in Physical education for the various size schools in the state; collect information about the departmental content of professional courses offered by the state colleges, and continued an effort to obtain a state supervisor of physical education. 

The balance in the bank on November 5, 1931 was $30.72. 

1932
The effects of the depression on physical education programs were felt throughout Kansas. Strong Hinman said, “There is a rumbling throughout the state directed toward physical education, health, and athletics. The time is ripe for all types of demonstrations and exhibitions such as play days, pageants, gym shows, and circuses. Each member of the organization should do their share in getting their program before the public.” In many of the communities, physical education was among the first of the school activities to be cut. 

Strong Hinman is President of the Middle West Society of Physical Education (Central District). 

By 1933, the membership had grown to 80 members. 

The Mid-West Convention was held in Wichita from March 29 to April 1. The convention was the first held in Kansas and also the first to be held at a place so far west. The Mid-West Convention presented nationally known speakers during the four day session. 

1934
The association became a member of the Central District of the American Association for Health and Physical Education. It was composed of Kansas, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Nebraska. 

Due to the expansion of 87 new members, the association was able to name two delegates to the National Council. 

1935
The constitution was revised to include changing the name from the Kansas State Health and Physical Education Association to the Kansas Health and Physical Education Association. 

For the first time, student memberships were also to be accepted upon payment of .50 cents membership fee. 

1936
Edna McCullough is President of Central District. 

Strong Hinman was elected President of the American Physical Education Association. 

Strong Hinman receives the National Honor Award. 

Article 4 of the constitution was amended to read, “President Elect” in place of “First Vice-President, and Vice President in place of “Second Vice-President.” 

Dr. Forrest (Phog) Allen presented, “The Place of Athletics in an Educational System.” 

1938
Membership grows to 200. 

1939
Dr. James Naismith, the Association’s first president, dies at the age of 78. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1930-32 - L.P. Washburn
1933-34 - Merle Henre
1935 - Irma Nevins
1936 - L.P. Dittemore 
1937 - Thora Ludvickson 
1938 - Earl Kauffman 
1939 - Helen Saum 

The state convention was held in conjunction with the Central District Convention in Wichita. It was considered the most successful convention ever held in Kansas. 

Membership grows to 240. 

1940
A bill sponsored by AAHPER was presented to the House of Representatives. The bill would allot 100 million dollars yearly to be distributed among the various states for the further development of health, physical education, and recreation. Through the efforts of Merle Henre, a campaign was made to encourage all members of the association to write to Washington requesting support of the measure. 

1941
The association continued to press the State Board of Education for minimum requirements in physical education as well as for the appointment of a state supervisor of physical education and funds to sustain the position. 

1942
The convention was held in Emporia. Nearly 150 members attended, which was considered a good turnout, since so many men and women in the field had entered the armed services. 

1943
No convention is held because of the war. 

1945
No convention is held due to restrictions on travel established by the Federal Government. The Council was carried over another year. 

The association worked to revise the curriculum manual. Through their efforts, one full unit of physical education credit was to be required of freshmen beginning with the class of 1945. The credit “may be obtained by attendance in a well-planned program of physical education for a minimum of 60 minutes daily for one year or every other day for two years.” The description for physical education was stated as, “that part of general education which proceeds to the development of skills, knowledge, and health habits through physical activity. 

Through the association’s efforts, teaching requirements for physical education were established. A teacher of physical education had to have a minimum of 15 credit hours, 5 of which must be in the field of health, physiology, first aid, and hygiene. In addition, 10 credit hours in the field of physical education, including organization, teaching methods, and physical activities were required. 

1946
A committee was formed to prepare a Health and Physical Education Curriculum for elementary grades. 

H.G. Porter is President of Central District. 

1947
The name of the Kansas Health and Physical Education Association was changed as it added Recreation to the association. The constitution was amended to read that city recreation directors or others working in the field of recreation be admitted to the membership. 

The Bulletin (predecessor to the Journal) added a cover. 

1948
The state convention was held in conjunction with the National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri on April 18 to 23. 

Member dues for K.H.P.E.R.A were still at $1.00. Student member’s dues were still at .50 cents. 

L.P. Washburn is President of Central District. 

The state convention, marking its 20th year, was held in Wichita. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1940 - Oren Shearer
1941 - Edna McCullough
1942 - C.S. Noll
1943-44 - Eva Lyman
1945-46 - R.R. Strait 
1947 - Sue Unruh 
1948 - Fred Knorr 
1949 - Joe Stapleton 

Merle Henre is President of Central District. 

1952
The Association hosted the Central District Convention. 

Walter Roy received the Central District Honor Award. 

Continued efforts for securing a state director. 

The Honor Award for the Association was established with the first recipients being L.P. Dittemore and L.P. Washburn. 

1954
Edna McCullough received the Central District Honor Award. 

Dr. Ed Elbel received the Central District Honor Award. 

1955
For the first time, section chairs were elected. 

Louis P. Washburn received the Central District Honor Award. 

1956
Work on certification of coaches continued. 

Dr. Edwin Elbel is President of Central District. 

1957
At the suggestion of Henry Shank and the support KHPERA, Governor George Docking appointed a Youth Fitness Council for the state of Kansas. 

1958
Many members of the Association attended the Governor’s Conference on Youth Fitness, held in Topeka on March 28. 

On October 9, 1959, the Kansas School Health Advisory Council was formed. KHPERA became a charter member of the state wide council with delegates from 33 organizations. 

1959
At the October 18, 1959 Council Meeting, it was recommended that the organization’s name be changed to the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (KAHPER). This was voted on and passed. 

DGWS sponsored a state wide clinic for the first time on May 1-3 with 53 high school and college women physical education teachers in attendance. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1950 - Walter D. Roy
1951 - Ann Theilen
1952 - Henry Shenk
1953 - Sophia Hodshire 
1954 - Charles Mills 
1954 - Helen Barnett 
1955 - George Hawks  
1956 - Katherine Geyer
1957 - Don Henry 
1958 - June Morell 
1959 - Del Norris

After 32 years of trying, Kansas has a State Director of Health and Physical Education, Glenn Swengros. This was a stated goal of the Association in 1928. 

Made the State Physical Education Director a permanent member of the council. 

Governor George Docking issued a proclamation making May 1-7, 1960 Youth Fitness Week in Kansas. 

1961
For the first time, an Outdoor Education Workshop was held at Rock Springs Ranch on April 27-29. 

Henry Shenk receives the Central District Honor Award. 

1962
Henry Shenk is President of Central District. 

A film prepared by Glenn Swengros and Joie Stapleton, “Physical Education is More Than Fun” was shown at the September Council meeting. 

The first logo appeared on the journal that was still called the Bulletin. 

1963
The name of the Bulletin was changed to the Journal of the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. 

A membership contest among college students was held. Emporia Kansas State Teachers College won the membership drive. 

Central District Honor Awards go to Joie Stapleton and Roy Groe. 

Tex Winter directed a KAHPER sponsored basketball clinic. 

1964
Membership dues increased to $4.00 for professional members and $1.00 for students. 

1965
Membership is over 1,000. 

1965
The office of Secretary –Treasurer was made into a separate office. 

The student section of KAHPER set up its own operating code and held a student membership clinic in Emporia on October 6. 

KAHPER in conjunction with the State Department of Education and the Lifetime sports Foundation held workshops in bowling and golf in Topeka. Work on certification of coaches continued. 

1966
Topeka hosts the Central District Convention. The student attendance record was set when 220 majors were present at the student luncheon to hear Dick Harp of the Federation of Christian Athletes. 

Membership is at 885 with 540 student members. 

Central District Honor Award goes to Helen Hocker. 

1967
Membership is at 1,189 members with 868 student members. 

Work continued on certification at the elementary level. 

KAHPER co-sponsored 20 clinics around the state in lifetime sports. 

Central District Vice-President for Health is Dr. Joie Stapleton. 

1968
Membership is at 1,292 members with 948 student members. 

The Council proposed that the convention site be changed from the rotating procedure and the site chosen by bids submitted to the Council from those interested in conducting a convention in their community. 

The outdoor Festival was put on in Topeka during “Physical Education Week” on May 9. Over 2,000 elementary, junior, and senior high school students took part. 

A symposium on the use of drugs was held at the Kansas University Medical Center in Kansas City on October 3-4. 

The state convention in Lawrence sets an attendance record with 785. 

Henry Shenk is on the AAHPER Board of Governors. 

1969
A preregistration was used for the state convention for the first time. 

For the first time, periodic bulletins were sent to members besides the journal. 

A Drug Abuse Education Curriculum Development Workshop was held in Kansas City, Kansas. 

A clinic on smoking cosponsored with the State Board of Education was held in Salina. 

Central District offices: Health Education – Don Henry, Recreation – Helen Hocker, Physical Education – Quentin Groves 

KAHPERD Presidents
1960 - Ruth Sevy
1961 - Roy Groe
1962 - Helen Hocker 
1963 - Veryle Snyder
1964 - Rosella Towson 
1965 - Tuffy Kellogg 
1966 - Marge Stone 
1967 - Joe Thornton 
1968 - Janet Nuzman 
1969 - Wayne Osness 

Henry Shenk, from the University of Kansas, received an Honor Award at the National Convention.* 

This was the first year that dance was recognized as a separate section of the KAHPER Convention. Sixty four people attended the first dance session entitled, “Folk Dance is Exciting and Fun.” 

1970
A drug abuse clinic was held in Topeka. 

Dues were raised to $5.00 for professional members and $2.00 for student members. 

Don Henry receives the Central District Honor Award. 

Rose Lamb is appointed to the National High School Girls Gymnastics Rules Committee. 

1971
Dr. Barbara Forker, President-Elect of AAHPER is a speaker at the state convention. 

Donald W. Henry is President of Central District. 

1971
New certificate requirements in health education (18 hours) and in physical education (24 hours) have been acted upon and go into effect in 1974. 

Henry Shenk retired from his position on the AAHPER Executive Board and was recognized for his many contributions over the years. 

1972
A priority for KAHPER was the Physical Education Public Information Project (PEPI). “The purpose of the project is to inform the public in relation to physical education, its importance and benefits.” The concepts of PEPI are 1) Physical Education is Health Insurance. 2) Physical Education can contribute to academic achievement. 3) Physical Education provides experiences and skills which last a lifetime. 4) Physical Education helps in developing a positive self image and the ability to compete and cooperate with others. 

A resolution was passed at the convention stating KAHPER endorses the concept of certification of coaches. 

1973
There was a joint workshop in elementary physical education that was held in Wichita on April 27. The workshop was co-sponsored by KAHPER, the Elementary School Physical Education Commission of AAHPER, and the Association for Childhood Education International. The consultant that KAHPER worked with from AAHPER was Dr. Margie Hanson. 

KAHPER returned to a 2 day (Thursday and Friday) fall convention meeting with KNEA. 

Wayne Osness was invited to Rome, Italy to present a paper entitled, “Lipid Metabolism During Exercise” at the International Conference on Nutrition, Dietetics and Sport. 

1974
A Post-Convention Clinic was held on women’s basketball and elementary and women’s gymnastics. Coaches were from California, Massachusetts, and Virginia. 

The Central District Convention was held in Overland Park. 

A public affairs committee was established. 

A memorial scholarship fund was established. 

1975
Kansas hosted the Central District Convention in Overland, Park. 

A coach’s certification resolution was passed. 

KAHPER went on record as favoring physical examinations for all Kansas school children. 

1976
Chuck Corbin, from Kansas State University, headed the elementary school physical education certification committee. Recommendations were made for requirements for physical education majors. 

1977
Wayne Osness is elected NASPE President. 

The convention is held in Topeka. AAHPERD President and 1976 Olympic Track Coach, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker, addressed the opening general session. 

It was decided to try a Saturday – Sunday convention. 

Jean L. Pyfer is Central District President. 

Central District Honor Awards went to Dr. Charles Corbin and Dr. Wayne Osness. 

1978
Wayne Osness is appointed chair of the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness which he held until 1990. 

The Central District President is Dr. Jean Pyfer. The vice-President of Health is Dr. Phil Nuntsinger. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1970 - Mary Estes
1971 - Stan Lauer 
1972 - Dorothy Martin 
1973 - Kelly Rankin 
1974 - Sally Henisey
1975 - John Bolan
1976 - Jean Pyfer 
1977 - DennisBeitz
1978 - Susan True 
1979 - Mark Giese

*Denotes National Recognition/Office 

The association’s name was changed to the Kansas Association 

1983
Wayne Osness is elected AAHPERD President. 

The American Heart Association-Kansas affiliate returned 5% of the annual Jump Rope for Heart monies to KAHPERD. 

1984
The Spring Journal advertised about Fitnessgram, “a new program designed to measure and help improve America’s youth fitness.” It was introduced through the Tulsa, Oklahoma during the 1982-83 school year and is set to expand to the entire state during the coming year. The program went nationwide in 1984. 

Wayne Osness is a member of the United States Olympic Committee. 

1985
Mark Pankau resigned as KAHPERD Executive 

Whitey Alpers was the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

115 KAHPERD members were trained in the Physical Best Program. 

Kansas ranks as the top 7th state in money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. 

1986
KAHPERD helped pay for the health and physical education curriculum guideline’s established by the Kansas State Department of Education. They were distributed to health and physical educators throughout Kansas. 

For the first time, the Kansas Association for School Health and the Governor’s Council on Fitness joined KAHPERD for the fall convention in Topeka. 

Mark Giese is President of Central District. 

1987
KAHPERD receives $19,745,06 from money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. 

Ambrose Brazelton spoke at the general session of the KAHPERD Convention. 

1988
KAHPERD took an active role in the new AAHPERD physical fitness assessment and education program. Members of the Kansas Physical Fitness Task Force worked with AAHPERD in volunteering Kansas as a pilot state for the dissemination and implementation of this new program. 

Kansas ranked as the top 7th state in the money raised by Jump Rope for Heart. JRFH, with KAHPERD leadership, raised a total of $531,019.40. KAHPERD received $20,065.01 from money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. 

Anita Nichols is 1988 Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Darrel Lang received the Central District Health Merit Award. 

Vicki Worrell’s jump rope demonstration team has a presentation at Expo 88 at the World’s Fair in Brisbane, Australia. 

1989
Council adds a middle school section to the existing 10 sections with 3 presentations planned for the 1990 convention. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1980 Carole Zebas
1981 Mark Pankau 
1982 Fred Thibault 
1983 Vicki Worrell 
1984 Pat McSwegin 
1985 Gary Arbogast 
1986 Tom Bryant
1987 Susan Miller 
1988 Darrel Lang 
1989 Jim Stilwell 

Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Kansas promoting health and physical fitness for youth. 

KAHPERD received $24,711.67 for money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. 

The first Winter Workshop is held. Artie Kamiya was the presenter. 

The KAHPERD brochure is published explaining the purpose, benefits, and overall of the association to prospective members. 

The KAHPERD council expanded to include Retiree Network and Middle Level Section. 

First Sunflower State Games were held in Lawrence from July 27-29 sponsored by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The highlight of the opening ceremonies was organized by KAHPERD member Julia Marsch of Topeka. 

1992
Wayne Osness received the R.Tait McKenzie Award.* 

1992
The second Winter Workshop is held in Manhattan. Jerry Poppen, from Tacoma, Washington, was the presenter. 

1993
Vicki Worrell is the NASPE National Elementary Teacher of the Year.* 

Vicki Worrell is the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Joella Mehrhof received the Central District Dance Merit Award. 

The first TAKE AIM Conference is held at Emporia State. Dr. Pug Parris from Texas and Rudy Benton from California were the presenters. 

1994
The Physical Activity and Health/Wellness Curriculum (Physical Dimensions) was piloted by 5 secondary schools during the 94-95 school year. It was funded by the Kansas Health Foundation. The curriculum was written by Kathy Ermler, Bobbie Harris, and Janet Wilson. 

1994
Tom Bryant received the NASPE Joy of Effort Award.* 

Janet Nuzman received the NAGWS Pathfinder Award.* 

Scott Gorman served on the NASPE Cabinet.* 

1995
Vicki Worrell is the new KAHPERD Executive Director. 

Tom Kearns received the Central District Leisure and Recreation Award. 

1996
Bobbie Harris receives the AAHPERD Honor Award.* 

Michelle DiLisio is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Bobbie Harris received an additional 2 year, $336,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to continue the Physical Dimensions Curriculum. 

The first Leadership Development Conference took place in Salina. 

AAHPERD President, Karen Dowd, attended the KAHPERD Convention. 

Scott Gorman received the Central District Sport and Physical Education Award. 

1997
Jeanne Galley received the NAGWS Pathfinder Award.* 

Don Fuertges receives the NASPE Joy of Effort Award.* 

Vicki Worrell receives the Central District Honor Award. 

300 physical educators attended the Physical Dimensions Workshops held in 6 locations during the summer. 

KAHPERD co-hosted the Central District Convention in Wichita. 

1998
Jill Cundiff is the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Susan Kovar is the Central District Scholar. 

1999
Scott Gorman is Central District President. 

Joan Stear is the Central District Health Educator of the Year (K-12). 

Jean Drennan is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Gary Taylor is Central District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

Glen Lojka receives the Central District Leisure and Recreation Award. 

Seven middle schools were selected to pilot the Physical Focus middle school curriculum. It was written by Kathy Ermler, Bobbie Harris and Joella Mehrhof. 

KAHPERD receives $47,955.41 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

KAHPERD Presidents
1990 Susi Cammon Lauer
1991 Judy Heimer 
1992 Jerry Stockard 
1993 Sandy Meneley 
1994 Whitey Alpers 
1995 Scott Gorman 
1996 Betty Lavery 
1997 John Zody 
1998 John Zody 
1999 Joella Mehrhof 

*Denotes National Recognition/Office 

Rhonda Holt is the NASPE National Elementary Teacher of the Year.*

Vicki Worrell is COPEC Chair.* 

Rhonda Holt is the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Joella Mehrhof received the Central District Honor Award. 

Joella Mehrhof received the Central District Sport & Physical Education Award. 

KAHPERD receives $48,505.63 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2001
Vicki Worrell receives the AAHPERD Honor Award.* 

Vicki Worrell serves as the Chair of the NASPE Public Relations Department from 2001-2004.* 

Vicki Worrell is a member of NASPE Cabinet from 2001-2004.* 

Steve Coen receives the AAHPERD William G. Anderson Merit Award* 

Betty Lavery received the Central District Honor Award. 

Joyce Ellis is the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Janelle Robins-Gaede received the Central District Health Education (K-12) Award. 

Sally Burgess received the Dance Education Award (K-12) Award. 

Ron Haig received the Central District Recreation Merit Award. 

KAHPERD hosted its first Student Leadership Conference at Fort Hays State University. 

Physical Essentials, the elementary curriculum written by Joella Mehrhof and Kathy Ermler, was presented at 6 workshops. 

KAHPERD receives $42,440.12 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2002
Membership is over 1,200. 

Scott Gorman receives the AAHPERD Honor Award.* 

Scott Gorman runs for NASPE President. 

Kathy Ermler received the Central District Honor Award. 

Joyce Irin is the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Leanna Beal is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Anne Abbott is the Central District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

Chuck Killingsworth received the Central District Physical Activity & Recreational Merit Award. 

Chuck Killingsworth received the Central District Recreational Professional Award. 

Steven Sedbrook received the Central District Health Education (University) Award. 

KAHPERD receives $42,551.59 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2003
Wayne Osness receives the Luther Halsey Gulick Award from AAHPERD.* 

Vicki Worrell serves as Chair of AAHPERD President’s Scholarship Committee from 2003-05.* 

The Honor Award is renamed the Wayne Osness Honor Award. 

John Zody received the Central District Honor Award. 

Vicki Worrell received the Central District Sport and Physical Education Merit Award. 

Bill Stobart received the Central District Physical Activity and Recreation Merit Award. 

KAHPERD receives $51,401.99 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2004
Scott Gorman receives the NASPE Joy of Effort Award.* 

Joan Brewer receives the AAHPERD Mable Lee Award.* 

Sue Stinson receives the Disney Hand Teacher Award out of 150,000 nominations.* 

The Service Award is renamed the Vicki J. Worrell Service Award. 

Kathy Ermler creates KanDo. The project allows health and physical education teachers across Kansas to apply for funds to purchase needed equipment for special projects. 

Carolyn Oborny is the Central District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

John Oppliger received the Central District Sport & Physical Education Merit Award. 

Roy Wohl received the Central District Health Merit Award. 

KAHPERD receives $52,448.07 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. It was a record year for money raised from Jump Rope For Heart. 

2005
Harold Swedlund Jr. receives the AAHPERD William G. Anderson Merit Award* 

KAHPERD sponsors an Obesity Pilot Program. 

John Zody is Central District President. 

Vicki Worrell receives the Central District Presidential Citation. 

Joan Brewer received the Central District Honor Award. 

Meggin DeMoss receives the Central District Honor Award. 

Rick Pappas is the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

KAHPERD receives $45,102.72 from money raised for Jump Rope For Heart. 

2006
Cindy Combs is the National Adaptive Physical Education Teacher of the Year.* 

Vicki Worrell receives the NASPE Joy of Effort Award.* 

Rhonda Holt is COPEC Chair.* 

Sally Burgess receives the Central District Honor Award. 

Cindy Combs is the Central District Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

Betty Lavery received the Central District General Merit Award. 

KAHPERD receives $48,954.85 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2007
Kathy Ermler serves as the Chair of the NASPE Public Relations Department from 2007-2010.*

Joella Mehrhof serves on NASPE Public Relations Committee and comes up with the NASPE Toolbox.* 

The Central District Convention is held in Overland Park. 

Joella Mehrhof is the Central District Scholar. 

Sandy Meneley received the Central District Honor Award. 

Lori Heger is the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Katie Bacon is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

The KAHPERD Convention, held in Emporia, sets a record with 803 people in attendance. 

KAHPERD receives $52,187.05 from money raised for Jump Rope for Heart. 

2008
Kathy Wagner is the NASPE National Elementary Teacher of the Year.* 

Jim Stillwell received the Margie R. Hanson Elementary Physical Education Distinguished Service Award.* 

Kathy Wagner is the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Candee Stuchlick-Thode is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

Vicki Worrell receives the Central District Kathleen Kinderfather Award. 

KAHPERD receives $44,453.56 for money raised from Jump Rope for Heart. 

2009
Kelly Cook is Central District President. 

John Zody is the Central District Scholar. 

Vicki Worrell receives the Central District Health Merit Award. 

Julie Webb receives the Central District Physical Activity & Recreation Merit Award. 

Kelly Cook receives the Central District Dance Merit Award. 

Vicki Worrell is elected AAHPERD President-Elect.* 

Rhonda Holt receives the AAHPERD Honor Award.* 

Rhonda Holt is elected NASPE Physical Education Councils Coordinator.* 

Becky Winter is the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year. 

KAHPERD receives $41,872,00 for money raised from Jump Rope for Heart and nearly a half a million dollars for the decade. 

KAHPERD develops an “Elevator Speech.” 

Work begins on establishing a public service announcement for KAHPERD. 

KAHPERD votes on a mascot, KIM, (Keep It Moving). 

KAHPERD Presidents
2000 Joan Brewer
2001 Rob Hefley
2002 Kathy Ermler
2003 Cindy Combs 
2004 Jane Hennes 
2005 Joyce Ellis 
2006 Vickie Deines
2007 Meggin DeMoss 
2008 Rhonda Holt 
2009 Sue Stinson 

*Denotes National Recognition/Office 

Vicki Worrell serves as AAHPERD President.* 

Joella Mehrhof is the NASPE Mentor of the Year.* 

Kim Morrissey and Cindy Johnson receive the first NASPE STARS Award for the state of Kansas.* 

Claudia Welch became the first person in Kansas to receive the Healthy Generation Health Award* 

JoAnne Thaw receives the NAGWS Pathfinder Award.* 

KAHPERD celebrates its 90th anniversary. 

Brenda Bowman is the Central District Adapted Teacher of the Year. 

Diane Aaron is the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Joyce Ellis received the Central District Sport and Physical Education Merit Award. 

Shawna Shane received the Central District Health Division Merit Award. 

Two KAHPERD public service announcements were finalized. 

Meggin DeMoss and Blake Taylor, Co-Chairs of the Central District Advocacy Committee finalize an advocacy PowerPoint that can be used at state PTA conventions. 

KAHPERD receives $37,476.85 for money raised from Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart. 

Joyce Ellis serves as Central District President. 

2011
Joella Mehrhof received the Margie R. Hanson Elementary Physical Education Distinguished Service Award.* 

Brenda Sharp received the AAHPERD Jump Rope for Heart Coordinator of the Year Award.* 

Jason Busche received the AAHPERED Hoops for Heart Coordinator of the Year Award.* 

Wendy Scholten received the Healthy Generation Health Award.* 

Kelly Cook, Kathy Kochersperger, and Sue Stinson all received the Central District Honor Award. 

KAHPERD gets a new exhibit booth thanks to Jill Cundiff, Joan Schuler and the Advocacy Committee. 

Kansas has more schools sign on to the Let’s Move in Schools campaign than any other of the Central District states and had the fifth most in the country. 

KAHPERD had an exhibit at the state PTA conference. 

Let’s Move in Kansas Schools has two trainings over the summer in working towards being certified as a Director of Physical Activity. Eighteen Kansas Colleges and Universities are involved. 

KAHPERD organizes a Protect Play Committee to help combat the decrease in recess across the state due to testing related to No Child Left Behind. 

KAHPERD Council votes on and passes a reorganization plan that will be initiated in November, 2012. The vote in favor of the reorganization plan was 84%. 

The Kathy Ermler Technology Award was established to recognize members who have used technology to promote the profession. Kathy Ermler is the recipient of the first award. 

The first annual Appreciation Awards was held at the Hays Convention in conjunction with the President’s Social. Twelve people received the inaugural Appreciation Award. 

The new Joint Projects recognition tier program was revealed at the Hays Convention. Brenda Sharp and Nikki Medina spent a year working on the recognition program. 

KAHPERD receives $36,314.00 for money raised from Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart. 

Andy Corbin, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas attended the KAHPERD Awards Banquet as a recipient of the KAHPERD President’s Award. 

The first Deal or No Deal was held at the conclusion of the Hays Convention. The winning case had 3 one hundred dollar bills in it. 

A permanent Convention Manager was established, and April Huddleston was selected as the first Convention Manager. 

The winter newsletter became KAHPERD’s first electronic newsletter. 

2012
Margery Thompson is the Central District Adapted Teacher of the Year. 

Bobbie Harris, Vicki Worrell, and John Zody received Central District Presidential Citations. 

Scott Gorman received the Central District Mark Harvey Legacy Award. 

Tracy Masterson received the Central District Sport and Physical Education Merit Award. 

Emporia State University and Wichita State University both submitted a bid to host the 2013 

KAHPERD Convention. A vote was taken by the Council, and Emporia received the bid to once again host the convention after a four year absence. 

Merri Copeland receives the NAGWS Pathfinder Award.* 

A number of KAHPERD members attended the AAHPERD Convention in Boston and were affected by a 13 block blackout which resulted in the national convention being cancelled for the first time in 127 years. 

KAHPERD initiated mass texting on a trial basis. 

After a year of working on an action plan and submitting artifacts, a number of KAHPERD members were certified as Directors of Physical Activity. 

The Executive Committee had a two day summer retreat to rewrite the KAHPERD bylaws. 

A Future Professional Ad Hoc Committee was established to be part of the reorganized Council. 

Over 700 people attended the KAHPERD Convention in Lawrence marking only the fourth time in 80 conventions that attendance has reached 700 or greater. 

KAHPERD membership increased to over 1,300 members. 

A special recognition was held at the KAHPERD Convention in Lawrence for Past Presidents. Twenty KAHPERD Past Presidents were presented with a leadership stole that had the specific KAHPERD logo that each past president served under. 

The Executive Committee passed a motion to grant KAHPERD lifetime membership to all KAHPERD Past Presidents. 

The Kan Do program was discontinued. 

KAHPERD received $37,702 for money raised from Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart. 

Executive Director Vicki Worrell addressed the convention attendees and told them of a New York physical education teacher who lost her house and all possessions from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. A collection was taken and a check for $1283.77 was sent to the teacher. 

The first slate of officers in KAHPERD’s history passed and were elected at the KAHPERD Convention in Lawrence. 

2013
Jason Busche was named the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Julia Spresser received the Central District Dance Division Merit Award. 

Jason Busche was named NASPE National Middle School Teacher of the Year becoming the first secondary teacher from KAHPERD to win the award.* 

Vicki Worrell was inducted as a Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals.* 

Scott Gorman received the NASPE Mentor of the Year Award.* 

Vicki Worrell received the AAHPERD Presidential Citation.* 

Barbara Broyles Hunt receives the NAGWS Pathfinder Award.* 

KAHPERD Council developed a new Applied Strategic Plan (ASP) at the summer retreat. 

Let’s Move Kansas Schools was changed to Let’s Move Active Kansas Schools. 

For the first time in KAHPERD history, there was not a hard copy of the convention program at the Emporia Convention. Smart phones had to scan a QR code to get the descriptions of the convention sessions. The traditional CD handout was also phased out as the convention handouts were placed on the KAHPERD website. 

The Governor’s Council on Fitness sponsored a new initiative called “Get Active Kansas.” 

AAHPERD changed its name to SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators). 

KAHPERD membership dips below 1,000. 

2014
KAHPERD collaborated with the Kansas Health Foundation and Healthy Kansas Schools to work on a recess initiative. 

Joyce Ellis received the Central District Honor Award. 

Shelly Hoffman was named the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year. 

Diane Wyatt was named the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year. 

Dianne Titterington was named the Central District Health Education Teacher of the Year. 

Rick Pappas received the Central District Mark Harvey Legacy Award. 

The 2014 AAHPERD Convention held in St. Louis, Missouri, transitioned over to SHAPE America with a new logo. 

Central District AAHPERD also transitioned over to Central District SHAPE America with a new logo. 

Shelly Hoffman was named SHAPE America National Elementary Teacher of the Year.* 

Diane Wyatt was named SHAPE America National Middle School Teacher of the Year.* 

Jim Brown received the National Jump Rope for Heart Recognition Award.* 

Kansas had the most members up for National Teacher of the Year than any other state in the country. 

For the first time in KAHPERD history, two KAHPERD members were selected as National Teachers of the Year in the same calendar year. 

Scott Gorman was selected to chair the Bylaws Revision Committee for SHAPE America. This is a 5 year appointment.* 

Efforts were underway to establish a working relationship with the current members of the Kansas State Board of Education. Ten KAHPERD members have been designated as a liaison to communicate with the board members from their perspective district. 

KAHPERD members made presentations at the State Board of Education meetings in Topeka. Topics included the importance of recess and Let’s Move! Active Schools. 

A motion was passed at the summer retreat to have a summer technology workshop for 2015. 

The Let’s Move! Active Schools Committee established a KAHPERD Physical Activity Award for schools promoting physical activity. 

A motion was passed at the summer retreat that would allow the Legislative/Advocacy Chair attend the annual Speak Out Day. There was another motion passed that decided the President, President-Elect, and Executive Director should attend the annual Central District Summit. 

KAHPERD received $48,764 for money raised from Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart. 

KAHPERD in collaboration with the KSDE Healthy Kansas Schools received a $24,000 grant titled, “Mandatory Recess.” Project Consultants were Rick Pappas, Mark Thompson, and and Vicki Worrell. Jannelle Robins-Gaede was the Project Operations Manager. 

Vicki Worrell serves as Chair of the Physical Education Council for SHAPE America.* 

2015
As of January 1, 2015, all KAHPERD members received a $1,000,000.00 liability insurance coverage. 

KAHPERD offered two free workshops to members titled, “Student Growth Measures for Physical Education. 

137 KAHPERD members participated in the Winter Workshop on technology. 

Brandon Wolff received the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year 

Amy Sommers received the Central District Secondary Teacher of the Year 

Scott Gorman received the Central District Presidential Citation 

Joella Mehrhof received the SHAPE America Honor Award* 

John Zody received the SHAPE America Honor Award* 

Scott Gorman was was inducted as a Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals.* 

KAHPERD received the SHAPE America Presidential Citation along with the Kansas Health Foundation, and the Kansas State Department of Education for their work with Let’s Move, Kansas Active Schools.* 

Merri Copeland and Karla Stenzel received the Open Door Award from the American Heart Association.* 

2,000 brochures were printed showing the recess survey results and recess recommendations from the America Academy of Pediatrics. These were to be distributed to all Kansas elementary and middle school principals. Rick Pappas shared the recess survey results with the Kansas State Board of Education and gave them each a recess brochure. The Associated Press picked up an article written about the recess survey results, and it ran across the country. The Wichita Eagle and The Topeka Capital Journal also ran separate articles on the recess results with the Wichita Eagle having it on their front page. 

Mija Stockman’s Law was signed in the governor’s office in Topeka on June 8, 2015. Mija Stockman was a PE teacher in McPherson who was hit head-on by a drunk driver on her way to work in December, 2013. Mija's Law makes the punishment for DUI offenders who cause great bodily harm or death more severe than in the past. 

 2016

The Winter Workshop was called the Kansas PE Summit and set an all-time record with

348 people. Robert Pangrazi and Maria Corte were presenters, and the free workshop was sponsored by Gopher.

A recess ad hoc committee was formed and principal surveys were administered on recess. Brochures were printed and distributed.

John Zody was inducted as a Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals at the SHAPE America Convention in Minneapolis.

Karl Ely was named the Central District Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Beau Bragg was named the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year.

Donations were collected at the KAHPERD Convention and were sent to victims of the

Louisiana flood.

Claudia Welch agreed to stay on as KAHPERD President for an additional year, and Wendy Scholten agreed to stay on as KAHPERD Past President for another year.

2017

A decision was made that KAHPERD publications be distributed electronically beginning the 2017 Fiscal Year. One research-focused journal will be printed and distributed annually.

KAHPERD offered four free Youth Fitness Education workshops. They were held at Dodge City, Manhattan, Shawnee Mission and Pittsburg.

A Redesign Ad Hoc was added to the KAHPERD Board coinciding with the Kansas State Department of Education school redesign pilot program.

Marlys Gwaltney was named Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year.

SarahJo Heath was named the Central District Adaptive Teacher of the Year.

Joella Mehrhof received the Mark Harvey Legacy Award at the Central District Convention.Dove

Joella Mehrhof was inducted as a Fellow of the North American Society of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance Professionals at the SHAPE America Convention in Boston.

Washburn University in Topeka hosted the 2017 KAHPERD Convention for the first time in 10 years.

KAHPERD collected supplies and cash for physical education teachers involved in the hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

2018

The Winter Workshop was held at Bethel College in Newton with the topic of emotional growth mindset. There were representatives from the State BOE and from a Mercury 7 redesign school attending the workshop.

Meggin DeMoss received the Mark Harvey Legacy Recognition Award at the SHAPE America Central District Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Brenda Sharp received the SHAPE America Central District Honor Award at the Central District Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Rick Pappas received the SHAPE America Central District Honor Award at the Central District Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Sarah Jo Heath received the Mabel Lee Award at the SHAPE America Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The KAHPERD Board unanimously approved Pittsburg State University hosting the 2019 KAHPERD Convention.

Two final PYFP workshops were conducted in Olathe and Salina.

Brandon Wolff took members of his Let’s Move Club to Puerto Rico to deliver new Spikeball sets to schools devastated by Hurricane Maria.

KAHPERD offered a free summer workshop involving OPEN Online Physical Education Network.

To date, 400 Kansas physical education teachers have been trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PAL). An Active Schools: Let’s Move Kansas! “Booster Shot” training was held in Wichita at the Farha Sports Center for those who had previously been certified as a Director of Physical Activity/Physical Activity Leader. Rhonda Holt, Project Director for Active Schools: Let’s Move Kansas! coordinated all of the trainings.

SHAPE America and the American Heart Association have ended their 39 year collaboration with Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart. There was a motion, “That the "Joint Projects" Committee be renamed "Financial Support" Committee. The motion passed.

Vicki Worrell, who has been KAHPERD’s Executive Director since 1995, is retiring effective December 31, 2018. Tiffany Dirks from Washburn University in Topeka will be the new Executive Director effective January 1, 2019. 

2019

Tiffany Dirks of Washburn University takes over as KAHPERD Executive Director.

KAHPERD offers four free workshops with National OPEN Trainers April Baugh and Karl Ely.

The Winter Workshop was held at McPherson College with 124 people in attendance. The workshop was led by April Baugh and Karl Ely.

KAHPERD’s new fundraising program is called Move to Give with 20% of proceeds going to KAHPERD. The event planner can decide how much they give to a charity and how much they keep for the school. Three schools did the pilot for the program.

Claudia Welch received the SHAPE America Central District Honor Award at the Central District awards ceremony in Tampa, Florida. 

There was a motion that KAHPERD sign up for “Health. Moves. Minds” program sponsored by SHAPE America. The motion passed.

A motion was passed that approved funds not to exceed $2,000 for the Financial Support Committee to purchase promotional items for Move to Give and to purchase a one-year team subscription to Cheddar up.

A motion was passes that KAHPERD increase the retiree membership to $20 (from $10) plus C-Vent fee. In addition, convention registration fees for retirees were raised to $25(from $15) plus C-Vent fee. 

The convention registration fee for 2019 was increased for professional members to $110 plus $5.00 C-Vent charge.

KAHPERD will partner up with Step It Up Kids for one year.

The KAHPERD Convention in Pittsburg had 372 in attendance, including 114 students.

For the first time, a reception was held instead of a banquet for the awards ceremony.

Membership is at 777.

At the end of the year: 466 Physical Educators have attended the DPA/PAL training.

KAHPERD Presidents
2010 Jodie Leiss 
2011 Rick Pappas 
2012 Blake Taylor 
2013 Damon Leiss 
2014 Kim Morrissey 
2015 Wendy Scholten 
2016-2017  Claudia Welch 
2018 Marlys Gwaltney
2019 Karla Stenzel

*Denotes National Recognition/Office 

Since the Active Schools: Let’s Move Kansas! initiative began, 145 school-based in-services were held with 6,000 teachers and administrators in attendance. 14 Team Workshops were conducted with a total of 146 schools sending teams with a total student enrollment of over 56,000. Schools from 80 of 105 Kansas counties have been impacted by the Active Schools:  Let’s Move Kansas initiative over the course of the project.   

Move to Give had 18 schools scheduled to hold spring events. Most of them had to be canceled because of a pandemic.

All pro sports, collegiate sports, and high school sports for the spring were canceled due to the pandemic. Summer Olympic Games were postponed until the summer of 2021.

Kansas became the first state in the country to order all school buildings K-12 to be closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Governor Laura Kelly made the announcement on March 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic. All teachers and university instructors went to online teaching for the rest of the school year. The Kansas State Department of Education established a Continuous Learning Task Force Committee to establish guidelines for Kansas teachers to teach their academic subjects online. KAHPERD’ April Hosheit Baugh was on the Task Force. 

Because of the stay-at-home order for the coronavirus. All high school and university commencements were also canceled.

It was approved that Washburn University host the 2021 convention.

An online workshop, free to members, was set up due to the coronavirus.

Blake Taylor received the Central District Elementary Teacher of the Year Award.

Ashley Gross received the Central District Dance Educator of the Year Award.

The SHAPE America Convention that was scheduled to be held at Salt Lake City from April 21-25 was canceled due to the coronavirus.

Membership was at 654 in April.

Depending on the number of cases of coronavirus, the beginning of the 2020-21 school year began with uncertainty. Some school districts went totally remote to online learning, some went to face to face instruction at the school, and some had gone hybrid, which was a mixture of remote and face to face instruction.

For only the third time in KAHPERD’s History, the KAHPERD Convention, that was scheduled to be held at the University of Kansas to celebrate KAHPERD’s 100 years, was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. KAHPERD convention manager Kim Morrissey and KU site manager Susan King spent months planning for KAHPERD’s centennial.

KAHPERD sponsored multiple virtual workshops in the fall of 2020.

The remainder of the scheduled Board meetings were conducted virtually through Zoom meetings.

Rick Pappas, KAHPERD historian, made a series of 5 videos highlighting the history of KAHPERD’s 100 years.

2021

A survey was sent to all members about the possibility of rebranding for KAHPERD. For those returning the survey, approximately 80% were for a name change, and SHAPE KANSAS was the top choice.

Central District is planning to host a Summer Summit near Kansas City.

100 people signed up for the Winter Workshop. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, sessions were virtual.

The Executive Board worked on a 5 year Applied Strategic Plan, 2021-2025.

Due to the pandemic, the 2021 SHAPE America national conference was not held in person. However, a virtual conference was held from April 13-17.

Board meetings continued to be by Zoom due to the pandemic.

The Financial Support Committee is worked on having a 5K fundraiser.

Total proposed budget for 2021 is $76,010.

$20,000 from mutual funds was transferred to help with operating funds through mid-August.

At the September KAHPERD Board meeting, a proactive decision to reschedule the 2021 in person Washburn Convention was made. The KAHPERD fall 2021 Convention will be held as a virtual convention option, combining a 4-hour virtual live session on Dec. 4 (this will be recorded for those who cannot attend) with 4 hours of pre-recorded sessions. KAHPERD will offer a 1-hour college credit through Baker University for this convention.

It was decided to have a summer convention in 2022. The date of the convention will be June 24- 25, 2022, at Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City. This will be the first time in the 101-year history of KAHPERD that there will be a summer convention. It’s very difficult for universities to host the convention, and some universities are struggling to keep their physical education program alive. Also, teachers are having difficulty getting substitutes for a fall convention while many teachers also coach in the fall.

There was discussion to offer a 1-day student conference that could be hosted at a college/ university. Emporia State expressed interest in hosting a student conference. It was also suggested that the Member At Large be responsible for planning this conference.

A motion was passed under Publications in the by-laws that the word Journal Editor be changed to Publications Editor.

It was suggested the Future Professional Advisor be from the same college/university as the Future Professional Chair-Elect.

A virtual Board meeting was held on October 30 to pass the gavel between the current president and president-elect. A face-to-face Board meeting is scheduled for December 4 which would be the first face-to-face meeting for the entire Board in almost 2 years due to the pandemic.

As on November 1, 2021, membership is at 332.

2022

Tiffany Dirks resigned as KAHPERD Executive Director and Claudia Welch was named Interim Executive Director. 

The Winter Workshop was scheduled to be held on February 18 at Ottawa Middle School but winter weather caused the workshop to change to virtual.

The first summer convention in KAHPERD’s history was held on June 24-25 at HyVee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. The fees were $115 for professional members, $50 for retirees, and 30 for student members.

Rick Pappas designed a commemorative booklet to celebrate KAHPERD’s 100 + 2-year history that was passed out to members.

KAHPERD members had the opportunity to purchase a ticket and attend the Kansas City Royals baseball game after the convention.

Because of the low turnout for the summer convention, a decision was made to go back to a fall convention in 2023. A decision was made to hold the 2023 convention at Century II in Wichita.

The summer retreat for the Executive Board was held on July 12-13 in Fort Scott.

KAHPERD partnered with Game On for fundraising. Ten percent of money raised goes back to KAHPERD.

Claudia Welch and Ken Murfay were offered a one-year contract to serve as KAHPERD Co-Executive Directors effective January 1, through December 31, 2023.

The first KAHPERD Future Professional Conference was held at Pittsburg State University on October 13. Over 100 college students were in attendance. Student awards were presented.

A free OPEN Workshop was held on November 5 at Ottawa Middle School.

KAHPERD membership is at 365.

KAHPERD Presidents

2020 Verneda Edwards

2021 April Baugh         

2022 Jackie Hall