If it seems like the students at Kennesaw Elementary sweat more and smile bigger, Emily Adams might be to thank.

Adams was recently named the best elementary physical education teachers in the state by the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

South Cobb High's Kristen Cross was named the K-12 health educator of the year, according to the Cobb County School District. And Renee Garriss, principal at Mountain View Elementary received the advocate of the year award.

Oh, and one more thing about Adams: She'd better be strong to carry all her hardware.

The Society of Health and Physical Educators, or SHAPE, named her the best P.E. teacher in its southern district.

That means she will be one of six teachers at SHAPE's Hall of Fame banquet in Boston where there will be many world-class health speakers.

"The Cobb County School District is proud to recognize three outstanding educators who have earned state and SHAPE America Southern District recognition," Mark Anderson, CCSD supervisor for health and physical education, said in a statement.

About the Author

Keep Reading

A crash on I-285 West at Buford Highway is blocking the ramp from I-85 South onto the westbound Perimeter on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Courtesy of Georgia Department of Transportation)

Credit: Georgia Department of Transportation

Featured

A smoggy skyline rose behind Hartsfield Jackson International Airport on June 12, 2024, when a Code Orange air quality alert was in effect. (John Spink/AJC)

Credit: John Spink/AJC