“Each year, we look forward to introducing the GFA finalists to our fellow Michiganders,” shares Amy Ghannam, President and CEO of Michigan Fitness Foundation. “By recognizing and sharing their extraordinary stories, they influence us all to have a renewed vigor to make healthier choices. We invite citizens from across the state to join us at the MGM Grand on April 25 as we celebrate this year’s GFA finalists.”

Nominations from Michiganders began in September, 2018, and earlier this year GFA finalists were selected by a panel of judges from across the state. All finalists will be honored during a legislative reception at the Michigan State Capitol, followed by a gala celebration and announcement of Governor’s Fitness Award winners at MGM Grand Detroit on April 25, 2019.

Three finalists are named in each of several categories including Active Community, Active Senior, Charles T. Kuntzleman–Accepting the Challenge, Conquering Obesity, Director’s Champion for Health, Extraordinary Event or Organization, and Healthy Workplace (small/medium, large, and very large). In the “Director’s Champion for Health” category, in addition to Manchester’s own Kathy O’Mara–teacher and Walk to School coordinator at Klager Elementary School–the other two finalists are Lila Lazarus, an award winning television news anchor and reporter, currently a spokesperson for St. Joseph Mercy Health System; and Mary Patay of Mackinac Island, a certified personal trainer and school coach.

O’Mara’s local claim to fame (and the reason for her nomination) is her tremendous energy not only for teaching and her students, but also for their physical fitness. Her passion for coordinating the “Walk to School Wednesday” program expanded it from a one day per week program to two, and then three, days per week, from the start of school to the end of the year. Rain, snow, or sunshine finds her enthusiastically leading a group of students to Klager School, whether walking from Chi-Bro Park or from a group dropped off by buses at the high school. Initiating prizes and awards for those who walk frequently as well as those who walk on special days (and there’s at least one “special day” every month!) has increased the motivation from students as well. She has grown the program tremendously over the past four years!