SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – The Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) has honored Winthrop University’s Garrett Bowers as its Physical Education Major of the Year.
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.
Bowers, a senior from Kershaw, South Carolina, has volunteered extensively during his Winthrop career, including for the Miracle League and as president for the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (SCAHPERD) Future Professionals. On campus, he served on the Physical Education Majors Club (PEM) and, in 2021, led sessions for the Olde English Consortium on Physical Education Conference.
Winning the SHAPE America Award feels like the capstone to his four years at Winthrop, Bowers said.
“Although the award is for Major of the ‘Year,’ it truly felt like an award that had to be worked toward all throughout my college career,” he explained. “I’m very blessed to have been a part of this program. I’ve enjoyed watching it grow, and I cannot thank my professors enough for continuing to mentor and educate me. I’m also thankful for my cohort. They have continued to push me to be better, and I can honestly say that the professors and my fellow PE majors feel like family to me.”
After graduating on May 6, Bowers will teach physical education in South Carolina.
Fun fact: a Winthrop student has won this SHAPE America award for three consecutive years. Past winners are Molly Garrison ’22 and Stephen Berry ’21.
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.
