The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Chairman Jake Steinfeld, known as "Body by Jake," visited Sierra Vista Junior High School in November to honor George Velarde as the Council's 2009 Spotlight Award Winner.

Steinfeld presented George Velarde, the council's gold medal Teacher of the Year, with a check for $10,000.

Velarde has created a state-of-the-art fitness center for the Canyon Country school. In doing so, George has changed the culture of the physical education department to focus on getting all kids active and having fun.