Sixth-grader gets to shake hands with governor

Newport Heights Elementary School sixth-grader Jack Maurer is pumped to meet Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Tuesday at an award ceremony for physical fitness in Los Angeles.

“He’s good in the movies but he also does a good job of managing the state,” Jack said, whose favorite Schwarzenegger movie is “Kindergarten Cop.”

Newport Heights Principal Kurt Suhr was allowed to take one student with him to shake hands with Schwarzenegger after he recently was selected as a finalist for Principal of the Year by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Suhr was recognized for his efforts to get physical education back into elementary schools.

The principal asked Newport Heights students to write essays on physical fitness for a chance to meet the governor and Jack’s entry was chosen as the winner.

“I wrote about how it helps you to have a better life and be healthy,” Jack said.

Suhr’s efforts to promote physical fitness include rewarding students who walk to school implementing a new playground plan to increase physical activity during recess and lunch.