ISSUED: 29 April 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cecelia Mason
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — SHAPE America–Society of Health and Physical Educators honored Shepherd University senior Olivia Reese as a Major of the Year during the organization’s 138th National Convention & Expo, March 12-16 in Cleveland, Ohio.
The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the health, physical education, recreation, and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty advisor or professor. Reese, a physical education major from Ellicott City, Maryland, is among 116 students from across the nation recognized.
“I am extremely honored and thankful for the opportunity to receive this award for Physical Education,” Reese said. “This recognition reaffirms my dedication to empowering students through meaningful physical education. I am grateful for the opportunity to make a significant impact in shaping future generations of students.”
Pictured (l. to r.) are Dr. Julia Tracy, Olivia Reese, and Dr. Rhonda Hovatter.
Dr. Rhonda Hovatter, associate professor of physical education, and Dr. Julia Tracy, assistant professor of physical education, nominated Reese for this award.
“We nominated Olivia because of the dedication she has shown to her education and her potential to be an outstanding physical education teacher,” Hovatter said. “Her enthusiasm, motivation, and work ethic have allowed her to excel in the classroom as a top student.”
“As a student-athlete, she has also been able to manage the demands of being a member of the women’s softball team while excelling as a major in the secondary education-physical education program,” Tracy added. “Whether in the classroom or on the field, we are proud to have Olivia represent Shepherd as the 2024 SHAPE America Physical Education Major of the Year.”
Nominees must meet award criteria and be identified as a top student with the potential to excel in the future as a professional in the field.
“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Olivia is integral to the future of SHAPE America and our profession,” says SHAPE America President Sarah Benes.
Reese will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2024. While at Shepherd, she has been a top student in the secondary education program maintaining a 3.75 GPA.
Reese is also a four-year athlete and member of the women’s softball team where she plays right field. On or off the field, Reese is viewed as a leader and is well respected by her peers and teammates.
About SHAPE America:
SHAPE America—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 our National Standards for K-12 Physical Education serve as the foundation for well-designed physical education programs across the country. We provide programs, resources and advocacy to support health and physical educators at every level, from preschool to university graduate programs.
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