For the first time in several decades, students at Seeliger Elementary in Carson City are once again taking part in the Presidential Fitness Test, reviving a program with deep roots in the school’s history, dating back to a memorable visit from Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991.
Earlier this spring, students laced up their sneakers and stepped onto the field or in the multipurpose room to participate in the nationally recognized fitness assessment, marking a full-circle moment for the school community. The return of the program comes more than 35 years after Schwarzenegger, then serving as chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, visited the campus with then Nevada Governor Bob Miller, to promote youth fitness and introduce students to the importance of staying active.
This year, out of the more than 530 Seeliger students who participated, only 12 earned National Fitness Awards. Those include (alphabetically by last name) Omari Bates, second grade; Isabella Beeson, fifth grade; Lily Blann, fifth grade; Chiara Costella, third grade; Aiyden Davis, third grade; Autumn Kalb, fifth grade; Banyan Lambson, third grade; Mia Luna Mora, first grade; Mylah Moppins, third grade; Zachary Nelson, second grade; Emma Pullman, third grade and Cheyenne Tookey, fourth grade.
Even more commendable, only one student, Autumn Kalb, a fifth-grader at Seeliger, earned the Presidential Fitness Award. Back in the 1990’s, only 3% of kids in America earned the blue patch or Presidential Fitness Award.
“This is more than just a fitness test, it’s a connection to our school’s history and a renewed commitment to student wellness,” said Kari Pryor, principal of Seeliger Elementary School. “To bring this program back after so many years, and to tie it to such a significant moment from 1991, makes it especially meaningful for our students and staff.”
The Presidential Fitness Test includes a series of age-appropriate activities designed to measure strength, endurance, flexibility and overall physical health. Events such as a one-mile run, curl-ups, push-ups, sit-and-reach and timed shuttle runs challenge students while promoting lifelong healthy habits.
Teachers and staff have embraced the program as an opportunity to encourage goal-setting, perseverance and personal growth. For many students, it is their first exposure to structured fitness benchmarking, an experience educators say builds both confidence and awareness of physical well-being.
“This is about helping students understand what their bodies can do and inspiring them to stay active,” said Rayce Malmed, physical education teacher at Seeliger Elementary School. “It’s been exciting to see their enthusiasm and determination.”
The revival also serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Schwarzenegger’s visit, which left a strong impression on the school community more than 35 years ago. By reintroducing the Presidential Fitness Test, the school is honoring that legacy while creating new memories for today’s students.
As the program continues, school leaders hope to make the fitness test an annual tradition once again—one that promotes health, celebrates history and empowers students to achieve their personal best.
Photo Cutline:
Pictured from left to right: Kari Pryor, principal; Omari Bates, second grade; Mia Luna Mora, first grade; Cheyenne Tookey, fourth grade; Emma Pullman, third grade; Chiara Costella, third grade; Aiyden Davis, third grade; Banyan Lambson, third grade; Isabella Beeson, fifth grade; Lily Blann, fifth grade; Autumn Kalb, fifth grade and Rayce Malmed, P.E. teacher. Not Pictured: Zachary Nelson, second grade and Mylah Moppins, third grade.
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.
