10-08-2026 1:15am

Commanders Join Celebration as Chancellor Elementary Receives $10,000 for PE Equipment

John Williams Editor

Photo Courtesy Of Homes.com

By John L Williams/The Spotsylvania Gazette

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY — Chancellor Elementary School has received $10,000 for a physical activity equipment makeover through a partnership between the American Heart Association and the NFL Foundation. Washington Commanders representatives joined the surprise celebration, according to Spotsylvania County Public Schools.

Physical education teachers Wayne Via and Stephanie Wyatt were surprised with the announcement. The school division recognized their work with the Kids Heart Challenge and efforts to teach students Hands-Only CPR. (in.linkedin.com⁠)

The award connects two goals: helping children stay active and encouraging them to learn a skill that could help someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

In its Sept. 23 announcement, the American Heart Association named Chancellor Elementary as one of five schools nationwide receiving $10,000 each for physical activity equipment. The other recipients are in Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas and California.

Schools became eligible for the prize drawing through participation in the association’s school programs during the 2025-26 school year and students learning Hands-Only CPR. Chancellor’s award was selected through that drawing. (newsroom.heart.org⁠)

The funding comes through the American Heart Association–NFL Foundation partnership. The Commanders participated in the local celebration. (newsroom.heart.org⁠, in.linkedin.com⁠)

For Chancellor Elementary, the award means additional resources for physical education, alongside recognition of its students’ and teachers’ participation in heart-health education. The announcements reviewed do not identify the specific equipment the school will purchase.