Three Marshall County Schools physical education teachers were recognized for their service to students Tuesday evening at the county Board of Education meeting.

Educators from Cameron High, McNinch Elementary and Moundsville Middle schools were recognized with the West Virginia Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, presented by the West Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education. Receiving the awards were Cameron High’s Rich Moffo, Moundsville Middle’s Suzanne Muncy and McNinch Primary School’s Ashley Doty, for their respective grade levels; Doty also was recognized for her work with dance, in addition to physical education.

Each teacher thanked the board members for their continued support, including providing them with funding to go to the state convention in October. Moffo said the board had been very supportive of Cameron’s endeavors, which allowed him to instruct students the way he feels they deserve.

Educators Rich Moffo, Ashley Doty and Suzanne Muncy receive awards from Marshall County Schools Superintendent Michael Hince, right, as they are recognized as West Virginia Physical Education Teachers of the Year.

“Every time I come to the board to say we need a little more money, I’ve been able to go back with two big mats, a balance beam, just delivered today. We’re having a good time up in Cameron,” Moffo said.

“School is not prison. (The students) get better at sports, they get better grades, they’re happier. We’re doing PE the way it should be done,” he added.

Moffoa, Doty and Muncy attended the state conference in Pipestem, W.Va., in late October, where nominated educators competed and applied for recognition from the state health and physical education association. Muncy said the award would stick with her for life.

“This award is huge. It’s the highest award you can get in public education in the state; we’re pretty pumped,” Muncy said. “It’s on your resume forever. … We really thank the school board and our principals for their support.”

Superintendent Michael Hince lauded the teachers for bringing the set of awards to the county, a first in the statewide award’s history.

Many board members congratulated the winners on their dedication and spoke highly of the importance of their practice, especially in light of health issues plaguing students nationally and regionally.

“When you hear about all the bad things that come out about how unhealthy the people of West Virginia are, you are there giving an education on what we should all be aiming for,” said board member Lori Kestner.