On June 3, 2025, the CTAHPERD Executive Council voted to rename the Professional Honor Award—our association’s highest distinction—as the Connie Kapral Professional Honor Award. This decision honors Connie’s lifetime of exemplary service to our association and her embodiment of CTAHPERD’s values and mission.
From 1995 to 2020, Connie served as Executive Director of CTAHPERD during a period of significant change in education, society, and technology. Under her leadership, the association was left with a strong organizational, fiscal, and mission-focused foundation—one that would later withstand the challenges of a global pandemic and position the organization for future growth and success.
From 1970 to 2005, Connie taught health and physical education in Glastonbury Public Schools, while also serving as a cooperating teacher for physical education majors from Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, and Springfield College. In addition, she served for many years as a BEST mentor and portfolio scorer, further supporting the development of novice teachers across the state.
Widely regarded as a creative and masterful educator, Connie has been a sought-after presenter for professional development workshops and conferences at the local, state, regional, and national levels. She has contributed numerous articles to Great Activities magazine and the CTAHPERD Bulletin. Connie is also the co-author—alongside Jan Bishop and Amanda Amtmanis—of the upcoming book Creating Games With a Purpose: A Framework for PreK–5 Physical Educators, to be published by Human Kinetics in January 2026. The trio recently presented a highly regarded session on this topic at the SHAPE America Convention in Baltimore.
Throughout our 104-year history, CTAHPERD has been privileged to have many outstanding volunteers and leaders. However, no one has represented the organization with more character, professionalism, and energy than Connie Kapral. With this recognition, we celebrate Connie’s remarkable contributions to the health and physical education profession and her enduring legacy as an inspiration to future generations of teacher leaders. Thank You Connie!