Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and University of Arkansas men’s head basketball coach John Calipari visited Hackler Elementary School in Mountain Home on Monday morning to celebrate the students and staff being named winners of the Governor’s Razorback Ready Fitness Challenge.
Addressing an auditorium of around 800 students, teachers, and administrators, Governor Sanders congratulated the school for earning the distinction of being the first to win the statewide challenge. The program invites students across Arkansas to engage in fitness activities in a fun, competitive format, as schools compete to highlight athletic participation and achievement among their students.
Hackler Elementary secured the top honor after submitting a video to the Governor’s office. The students completed segments of the traditional Presidential Fitness Test, including a one-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, a shuttle run, and sit-and-reach exercises. Their effort earned them recognition as the leading school in the competition.
During the event, Coach Calipari presented Hackler Elementary with a signed basketball and encouraged students to strive for self-improvement. "Being the best version of yourself" was a central theme of his message to the crowd. Governor Sanders also praised the students for their efforts and expressed her optimism about the future of fitness programs in Arkansas schools.
To further promote fitness as a priority in public education, the Governor recently signed an executive order requiring elements of the Presidential Fitness Test to be integrated into Arkansas public schools’ physical education standards starting in the 2026-2027 academic year. The Razorback Ready Fitness Challenge, set to continue under the hashtag #RazorbackReady2026, is part of a broader campaign to encourage physical activity and build excitement for fitness programs in schools statewide.
Following the presentations, students engaged in a question-and-answer session with Governor Sanders and Coach Calipari. Participants had the opportunity to win free homework passes, and they expressed their gratitude to the visiting guests for taking the time to visit their school and celebrate their achievement.