A Liberty High School physical education teacher was one of the three in the state to be awarded the  Physical Education Teacher of Excellence Award by  Gov. Rick Scott and first lady Ann Scott as part of the Governor’s Wellness Challenge.

Robert Weilert will receive $1,500 as part of the award. The other winners are Dianna Bandhauer, from Lecanto Primary School in Citrus County and Erin Goudge, from Avon Park Middle School in Highlands County.

As part of the challenge, six schools – two from each level – will receive awards based on the achievements portrayed in their video entries, along with three physical education teachers nominated by colleagues and parents.

Roberts Elementary School, of Leon County, San Pablo Elementary School in Duval County, Avon Park Middle School in Highlands County, Lakeland Highlands Middle School in Polk County, Caminiti Exceptional Center in Hillsborough County and MAST Academy in Miami-Dade County will each receive $2,500 to purchase fitness equipment for their campus.

“Congratulations to these schools and physical education teachers for their great work in teaching fitness, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle to our students,” Gov. Scott said in a press release. “Their dedication will undoubtedly improve the lives they have touched in building a healthy, strong, and successful future.”

Supported by Florida’s Foundation and UnitedHealth Group, the Governor’s Wellness Challenge was aimed at encouraging and recognizing Florida schools that have excelled in teaching students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The participating schools provided a short DVD that highlights how the school actively promotes fitness, wellness and a healthy lifestyle to their students. Students, parents, teachers, and principals also nominated exceptional full-time physical education instructors for the Physical Education Teacher of Excellence Award.

“Fitness and nutrition are strongly linked to healthy minds,” said Gov. Scott. “As we work to provide our students a good education, it is important to also teach them how to fuel their bodies and minds through balanced diets and physical activity. These tools will allow Florida’s children to succeed not only in the classroom, but also throughout their lives.”