Megan Lewandroski

Staying physically fit is quite a challenge for children in today's society. It seems that rather than playing outside in the neighborhood, many kids spend a great deal of time watching TV or playing video games. One young lady, Megan Lewandroski, is successfully meeting the challenge. For the past three years she has been awarded the Presidential Fitness Award based on a nationwide program. One key to Megan's success is participating in plenty of fun physical activities.

Being awarded the Presidential Fitness Award for three years is a commendable achievement. In order to receive this award, elementary students must pass a test that involves skills such as the standing broad jump, pull ups, sit ups, and running approximately a 400-meter distance. The students must obtain a score that meets national criteria.

Megan is a fourth grader at Heights Elementary School in Natrona Heights, and her two favorite pastimes are keeping her on her toes, literally. She competes on an Irish tap team from T.H.E. Dance Place at Highland's Mall. Describing her routines she explains, "We have to go up on our toes as we tap. They will judge that." She also takes a regular tap class, but enjoys the faster "River Dance" style of the Irish tap. This spring she will perform in competitions and in a recital. In addition, Megan plays outdoor soccer for the Highlands Area Soccer Club and for an indoor team called, "Chicks That Kick." "I play all positions, but I like offense the best because I like to score the goals," she states.

Megan's parents, Michael and Judianne Lewandroski, are proud of her dancing and sports but even more pleased with her academic accomplishments. She makes all As and Bs, and has received the Perfect Attendance Award for the first nine weeks. Megan relates, "I don't really have a favorite subject; I like all my subjects." She is proud of her recent first place prize in a poster contest for the Bully Prevention Program as well as a fitness certificate for climbing to the top of a rope.

Along with her sports activities, Megan enjoys lots of hobbies. In school she plays clarinet in the band and sings in the elementary chorus. At home she loves playing outside, swimming, roller blading, and riding bikes. Taking care of the family dog, a Bichon Frise named Abby has fostered Megan's love for animals. Her plans for a career are to be a teacher and soccer coach or a horse trainer.

Megan's parents have instilled in her a love for spending time as a family. She shares, "We like to play games, and we have game nights." She also loves to go shopping and bike riding with her younger sister, Emily. In the summer, Megan's family travels to Virginia to visit cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Megan's active agenda certainly helps her stay healthy and happy. She is well on her way to a successful athletic career in her upcoming school years.