Garden City’s Stratford Elementary School Assistant Principal Ms. Lauren Quezada, PE teacher Ms. Jen Soper, student Conor Hegarty, student Annie Southard, PE teacher Mr. Brant Kasschau and Principal Mr. Chris Hartigan.
Annie Southard and Conor Hegarty were recognized at NYS AHPERD’s 2025 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year awards ceremony.
Photos courtesy of the Garden City School District
Annie Southard and Conor Hegarty, fifth graders at Garden City’s Stratford Elementary School, have been named recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year award, presented by the Nassau Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. This marks the first year Stratford has nominated students for this prestigious award, which recognizes two outstanding fifth graders who exemplify a physically active lifestyle both in and out of school.
Annie and Conor not only demonstrate responsible and socially positive behavior, including exceptional sportsmanship, character, civility and citizenship, but they also serve as role models in their physical education classes. They achieved impressive scores on their physical fitness tests— showcasing their dedication and hard work— and have shown exemplary leadership and positive influence on their peers.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to have these two remarkable young student-athletes representing Stratford Elementary School,” said PE teachers Mrs. Jen Soper and Mr. Brant Kasschau, who nominated Annie and Conor for the award.
On April 30, Annie and Conor were recognized at NYS AHPERD’s 2025 Outstanding Physical Education Student of the Year awards ceremony.