New Mexico Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance

Annual Convention

boy playing basketball

Come join us at NMAHPERD’s annual convention Wellness Near The Wilderness in historic Las Vegas, New Mexico, home of New Mexico Highland University (NMHU). The conference is set for one and one-half days, October 13-14, 2011 and will be full of interesting sessions, sure to please the professional, regardless of the discipline.

Register Now

Download the conference registration and mail it in now.

Convention Keynoter

Our Keynote Speaker is  Jerry Cecil is in his 44th year as a professional educator. He presently serves as assistant superintendent and athletic director (A.D.) for Greenwood School District in Greenwood, Arkansas. He has held these positions for 13 of the 26 years he has been with Greenwood Schools. He coached high school football and baseball for 18 years prior to accepting a job as high school principal at Greenwood High School (GHS), a position he held for 12 years.  Jerry coached eight years in Missouri, nine in Tennessee, and one year in Arkansas.  During his career as a coach, Jerry was recognized as ‘Coach of the Year’ four times on the conference and regional levels.

During his tenure as A.D. for GHS, his teams have won 44 conference championships in various sports in an eight team conference.  Over this time period, they also won 18 state championships (football, basketball, baseball, track, golf, tennis, and bowling) and had 20 other state finalists.  In the previous 70 years, GHS had won a total of three state championships.

Honors include the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Arkansas Leadership Academy.  He has also received the Distinguished Service Award and the State Award of Merit from the Arkansas High School Activities Association.

Convention Highlights

  1. Welcome by Highlands President, Dr. James Fries
  2. Keynote address by Mr. Jerry Cecil, Athletic Director at Greenwood, Arkansas
  3. Highlands men’s basketball coach Joe Harge will speak
  4. Walking tour of historic Las Vegas
  5. Tour of the famous Castle in Montezuma (current home to United World College)
  6. Awards luncheon on Thursday
  7. Swim time for family/friends in the NMHU pool
  8. Hike (optional, on your own) to Hermit’s Peak
  9. Salsa dancing (optional Friday night)
  10. Participation in Tai chi movements (Friday morning at 9AM)

Overall, excellent sessions on a wide variety of topics in HPERD and athletics

Convention Hotel is the Plaza Hotel

Room Rates:

Rates are exclusive of a 12.0625% occupancy tax. All rooms come with a complimentary hot breakfast each morning in the Landmark Grill restaurant. We also offer free high speed wireless internet throughout the hotel, complimentary guest computer located in the lobby, workout room, in-house Saloon/Bar and coin operated guest laundry.

Reservation Policies: Reservations may be made at the listed rates above until last available room. To make your reservations and receive the group rate you will need to contact the Plaza Hotel Reservations Department at (800) 328-1882 or (505) 425-3591. This rate is NOT available on the internet. Please indicate the group name, NMAHPERD, when calling for reservations. All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card. Cancellation Policy: 24 hours prior to the day of arrival.