Peru, Nebraska - Each year the Society of Health and Physical Educators of Nebraska partners with colleges and universities to recognize the outstanding future professionals in the Physical and Health Education and Human Performance field. This year three Physical and Health Education Teacher Education (PHETE) Majors from Peru State College were nominated by Frank Lynott, Associate Professor School of Education, and recognized at the 2022 SHAPE Nebraska conference. Jamie Copenharve was honored as the Physical Education major or the year. Kelcie Gaines was also named as the Health Education major of the year and Jakob Trosper was given as the PK-12 Physical & Health Education major of the year. When about nominations, Dr. Lynott replied, “They all have shown the dedication by providing service and fostering physical and health literacy in the PK-12 school setting.”
In addition to these students and Brandel Riekenberg receiving these awards, another PHETE major researched, developed, and presented with Dr. Lynott at the conference. The presentation provided attendees with engaging and effective Active Learning Lessons to implement in their health classrooms. As stated by Jamie Copenharve and Kelcie Gaines, presenting as PHETE major to an audience of in-service teachers was at first nerve-racking. However, according to Dr. Lynott, “They all were well prepared and came across as true professionals.” Students also attended several other sessions at the conference. Jakob Trosper commented, “Attending and presenting was a great experience and I plan on attending next year.” Dr. Lynott indicated that it was the sixth consecutive year that Peru State College students were recognized and presented at the SHAPE Nebraska Conference. This would not have been possible without the support of Peru State College’s School of Education and grant funding. We are deeply grateful for these sources.
Nestled in the hills of historic southeast Nebraska, Peru State College offers a mix of innovative online and traditional classroom undergraduate and graduate programs, including online graduate degrees in education and organizational management.
Established in 1867 as Nebraska’s first college, Peru State has transformed over the past century and a half into a state-of-the-art institution offering diverse, multifaceted educational programs annually to nearly 2,000 students.
Press release contributed by Dr. Frank Lynott, Associate Professor of Health, Physical Education & Recreation
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