CLEVELAND, OHIO – For the fourth consecutive year, a Winthrop University student has been named Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America)’s Physical Education Major of the Year.
Lynde Beaver, of Abbeville, South Carolina, traveled to the organization’s annual national conference to accept her award and network with other health and physical education professionals.
“If freshman Lynde could see where she is at right now, she would not believe it!” she said.
The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the health, physical education, recreation and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty advisor or professor. The award specifically highlights students who serve their school and community.
In Beaver’s case, she has worked numerous hours at events at the collegiate, regional, state and national levels to promote the profession, as well as served in leadership positions for the South Carolina chapter of SHAPE. She’s also volunteered for and put together fundraisers for physical education majors at Winthrop and is an active member of the Winthrop Physical Education Majors Club.
Beaver said she was excited to receive the award and felt honored to join the ranks of previous Winthrop alumni who have also won: Garrett Bowers ’23 (2023); Molly Garrison ’22 (2022); and Stephen Berry ’21 (2021).
As a teacher cadet in high school, Beaver shadowed a physical education class and immediately fell in love with it, sparking a passion for not just teaching PE at the elementary level, but also advocating for and promoting the profession, in particular using social media to do so.
“Elementary students really enjoy coming to PE,” Beaver explained. “They have so much excitement, and as a PE teacher, you are the best teacher in the whole building [to them]! …
Starting students off on the right track can boost their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. After students leave me, I want them to be both exhausted and excited!”
Beaver added that she appreciates the opportunities for professional development.
“The professional development side of physical education is just as important as the teaching itself,” she said. “…That’s why conferences like SCAHPERD are so important, because future, active and retired professionals can get fresh new ideas from South Carolina’s best teachers.”
Beaver plans to graduate in December 2024 and hopes to either earn PACE (Program of Alternative Certification for Educators) certification or return to Winthrop for a master’s degree.
About SHAPE America
The Society of Health and Physical Educators is the nation’s largest membership organization of health and physical education professionals. Since its founding in 1885, the organization has defined excellence in physical education, and its National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country. The organization provide programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs.
For more information, contact Nicole Chisari, communications coordinator, at chisarin@winthrop.edu or 803/323-2403.
