Lake Highlands High School’s Denise Coats was named Health Educator of the Year at last week’s state convention of the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (TAHPERD). The non-profit organization serves students, teachers and other professions interested in promoting healthy lifestyles.

“Denise Coats is one of the most dedicated Health teachers in RISD and the state,” said Katha Black, founder of the Wildcat Wranglers and now owner of Katha Black Entertainment, who attended the award dinner Friday night in downtown Dallas. “She devotes herself to the success of her students.”

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Coats served as the Wildcat girls’ gymnastics coach for many seasons, and she continued teaching health after retiring from the team in 2008. She’s been teaching 37 years.

“Katha is a national and international gymnastics judge, traveling during the summers and on weekends to gymnastics meets. I am so very proud of her.”

Next, Coats’ name will be submitted to compete at the district level with health educators from thirteen southern states. A national winner will be chosen in April.

Congratulations to LH’s Denise Coats, Texas Health Educator of the Year!

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  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.