2018 Award Recipients!

physical activity and a safe learning environment fAfter naming her “Bette Jean” no middle name, her mother decided to call her BJ. She teaches at a non-traditional Charter School campus – Murray High School and Community Public Charter School, in Albemarle County, Virginia. Ms. Santos received a BS in Health and Physical Education from the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!) and received an MS in exercise science from James Madison University (Go Dukes!). She’s been a group exercise instructor since Jane Fonda wore legwarmers. Her most significant accomplishments involve work at Murray High School; where she has created a culture of physical activity and a safe learning environment for at risk students. She is an active member of VAHPERD, having served as physical education chair and dance vice president, and is currently on the awards committee. She was awarded VAHPERD PE teacher of the year (2006) and VAHPERD and SHAPE Southern District Dance Educator of the year (2016, 2017). She was awarded two Golden Apple awards, which are regional community generated awards for excellence in teaching (2004, 2017). She was awarded the National Dance Society Ovation Award in 2017. Ms. Santos is a founding member of National Dance Society and has served on the awards committee for two years and is currently a member of the Dance Standards writing committee.