Elementary Kids Ace Revived Presidential Fitness Test

The proud recipients of National Fitness awards from Seeliger Elementary School. A special mention goes to Autumn Kalb, a fifth grader, who earned the esteemed Presidential Fitness Award.
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A Revival of the Presidential Fitness Test at Seeliger Elementary School

Students from Seeliger Elementary School exhibited tremendous determination in the school’s inaugural Presidential Fitness Test since 1991 this spring. Out of 530 students, a commendable twelve earned National Fitness awards. Fifth grader Autumn Kalb stood out by bagging the prestigious Presidential Fitness Award.

“The Presidential Fitness Test pushes us all to achieve more,” believes Rayce Malmed, the Seeliger physical education teacher. He sees the test as a tool to encourage healthier lifestyles.

In his first stint as a PE teacher, Malmed relishes the chance to engage with students outside the traditional classroom setting.

The Revival of the Presidential Fitness Test

The five-part fitness test was reinstated for children aged 6 to 17 by President Trump last July. Performance is gauged relative to peers of the same sex and age group. Children aged 10 and above could earn a Presidential Fitness Award, a patch, and a certificate if they score within the top 15%.

The test was originally introduced during President Eisenhower’s administration due to concerns about youth physical health. The test saw mixed reviews over the years. President Obama’s administration retired the test in 2013, opting for a Presidential Youth Fitness program that focused on individual health rather than competition among young people.

The state of Nevada also prioritized children’s health under Gov. Bob Miller. Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, then chair of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, visited Seeliger with Miller to endorse youth fitness.

Test Standards and Student Performance at Seeliger

Malmed researched the original test standards, which were last updated in the 1980s. The students had to complete five age-appropriate tests measuring strength, endurance, flexibility, and physical health. Categories included a mile run, curl-ups, push-ups, sit and reach, and timed shuttle runs.

“To earn national ranking, students must score between the 50th and 85th percentile. There can only be one Presidential Award winner, who must score above the 85th percentile,” explained Malmed.

Seeliger’s Principal Kari Pryor and Vice Principal Ryan Icanberry joined the students in performing push-ups. According to Malmed, some teachers were surprised by the physical demands of the Presidential Fitness Test.

Malmed also emphasized the importance of maintaining good sportsmanship, even in a competitive environment. He believes that seeing peers earn awards will motivate other students to strive for better in the future.