HAMPTON, Ga. -- A dedicated physical education teacher from Henry County has been recognized by the Atlanta Falcons for her hard work promoting a healthy lifestyle to her students.

Merry Watkins is the Falcons' 2011-12 First Down for Fitness Teacher of the Year. She teaches at Hampton Elementary School.

"Merry genuinely cares for her students, and it shows every day," Hampton Elementary principal Dr. Debra Collins said in a statement. "She is truly a one-of-a-kind educator with a heart for children and a passion for their well-being."

Watkins emphasizes physical fitness in her classes, but she also focuses on cooperation and community, fostering positive relationships among her students.

MORROW, Ga. -- Clayton State University's Disability Resource Center will kick off Disability Awareness Month by showing the Academy Award-nominated documentary Murderball.

The movie will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1 in room 272 of the James M. Baker University Center.

According to a release from Clayton State:

This amazing documentary chronicles the lives of rough-and-tumble rugby players, who also happen to be wheelchair users, on their quest for Olympic gold. The movie follows the hard-hitting action on the court, where players smash each other with reinforced wheelchairs, and off the court. These amazing men will make you think differently about the word "disability."

Tameeka Hunter, who works in the Disability Resource Center, calls Murderball "an unflinching look at disability, sexuality and Olympic competition."

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga -- The OTAs are winding down at the Atlanta Falcons' headquarters in Flowery Branch.  The voluntary off season workouts have been well attended and the participation looks to be paying off.

With new Offensive and Defensive Coordinators, the team has spent the past few weeks digesting changes that are being put in place for the 2012 season.  Wide receiver Harry Douglas is glad the changes are taking place this year rather than last summer, when the NFL teams were locked out.  Douglas has spent time working special teams as a punt returner during OTAs and says "I did it some during my roookie season and fell in love with it."  It will be something to watch for during training camp.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Mike Smith was pleased with the level of participation and what the team has accomplished during the OTAs and says the upcoming Minicamp will be a continuation of what has been taking place the past few weeks.