Hanover Elementary School Health and P.E. Teacher Named Top in State
A Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) health and physical education teachers has been named the best in Virginia.
Julie Hudnall, the health and P.E. teacher at Battlefield Park Elementary School (BPES), was recognized by the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD) as its 2022 Elementary Teacher of the Year.
“This kind of recognition is amazing for me on a professional level. However, for me, it was more of an honor to be able to represent Battlefield Park Elementary and Hanover County at the state level,” said Mrs. Hudnall. “Growing up in Studley with my family raising acres and acres of Hanover tomatoes, winning a softball state championship at Hanover High School, and coming back and teaching at the elementary school both my parents attended, you couldn't write a more Hanover story. Having the opportunity to represent Hanover County, my school, and my family was a humongous honor to say the least.”
Mrs. Hudnall is in her 10th year teaching physical education and has spent the past seven years at BPES. She described her teaching style as “student centered, skill driven, and focused on cooperation and teamwork.”
“When students leave the gym from P.E. class my goal is that they had fun, played safely, and learned something new,” she said. “I connect with my students by knowing their names, all 393 of them, and by learning about their likes, dislikes, and what motivates them inside and outside of class.”
BPES Principal Mrs. Jaclyn McCaleb said Hudnall goes above and beyond for her students.
“We are so proud of Mrs. Julie Hudnall and I am beyond thrilled that she is being recognized at the state level,” Mrs. McCaleb said. “The students, staff and community at BPES knows that we have the best PE teacher in our building, and we are thrilled that those around the state will now know too!”
She added: “Mrs. Hudnall engages our students in innovative lessons that teach the importance of physical and mental health! In addition, she also teaches lessons on the importance of agriculture each fall to our students. Mrs. Julie Hudnall inspires students and is a true leader in our building and community.”
Mrs. Hudnall was recognized on Saturday, November 5 at AHPERD’s annual convention.