By Michael D. Clark
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Crosby teacher Maria Beatty works with third-graders Alyssa Crone, 8, (front left) and Melissa Schneider, 8, (front right) and some of their classmates. (Gary Landers photo) | ZOOM |

CROSBY TWP. - Two Greater Cincinnati elementary schools are leading the way in shaping up the next generation.

Willowville Elementary in Clermont County and Crosby Elementary in western Hamilton County finished first in their enrollment categories last school year among hundreds of Ohio schools in the nation's annual Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge.

For 640-student Willowville, bragging rights include finishing No. 1 for its state enrollment size category for 15 consecutive years.

The West Clermont School District K-5 elementary also racked up a national No. 1 ranking last year, with more than 70 percent of its students meeting athletic standards in running, push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises.

TOPS IN OHIO

Willowville and Crosby elementaries finished first in Ohio in their enrollment categories in last school year's national Presidential Physical Fitness program. The program, begun in 1966 to improve the overall health of American youths, has students each spring compete in timed exercises - push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle runs, etc. - designed to enhance athleticism and teamwork.

"This isn't an accident," says Patrick Rexroat, Willowville's veteran physical education teacher. "We work hard at it, and the parents have really bought into it.''

For students at Crosby, Greater Cincinnati's other "healthiest" school, the awards are secondary.

"It makes school a lot more fun," Crosby fourth-grader Ashley Bowling said during a high-energy recess. "We love gym class. When our teachers tell us it's time for gym, we all start yelling."

Much of Crosby's success is traced to physical education instructor Maria Beatty, a 16-year veteran of the Southwest district elementary. She says students are drawn to the national athletic competition. Besides fun, teamwork is a big part of the school's physical fitness classes.

Crosby has had six consecutive years of first-place finishes among Ohio schools in its category.

Crosby parent Amy Uribe sees a world of difference with her own daughter and credits the school's emphasis on teaching young people to be active and take pride in the school's winning streak.

Each student at the winning schools receives a presidential fitness patch and certificate.

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com