RESTON, VA — SHAPE America–Society of Health and Physical Educators honored Kendra Jean Holtcamp of The University of Northern Colorado as a Major of the Year during the organization’s 133rd National Convention & Expo, March 20-24, in Nashville, Tennessee.

The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the health, physical education, recreation and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty advisor or professor. Holtcamp was recognized on Thursday, March 22 during the Major of the Year Awards Ceremony.   

Holtcamp is from Fort Garland where she excelled in sports and academics and graduated from Sierra Grande High School as valedictorian. She is a Daniels Scholar.

“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Kendra is integral to the caliber of the individuals SHAPE America is looking for to teach standards-based health and physical education programs to our nation’s children,” says SHAPE America President Fran Cleland of West Chester University (PA).

In addition to being nationally recognized as Major of the Year, Kendra has maintained a 3.93 while holding major leadership positions at the University of Northern Colorado. In addition to receiving Major of the Year, Holtcamp was also named a College of Natural and Health Sciences Academic Scholar. Since her fourth semester at UNC, she has been the president of the Physical Education and Sports Coaching Club. Kendra has taken on the responsibility of a Daniels Scholar Ambassador for the last two years and oversees all of the Daniels Scholars at the university.

She is also a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the Golden Key International Honour Society, respectively.

Holtcamp stated, “I truly cannot express how humbled I am to be selected as Major of the Year in Physical Education. I want to be the change that positively impacts the world and I believe that Physical Education gives me a huge canvas to do so. The guidance of my amazing professors, peers, family, and friends has made me overwhelmingly grateful. My ultimate goal is to make the world a better place, and guide people to know that they are here for a reason. I couldn’t be happier in doing this through something that I love.”

“Kendra exhibits strong work ethic, professional engagement, and leadership at UNC.  She is a role model for her peers and will be an outstanding future physical educator!” said University of Northern Colorado Drs. Krause, Dauenhauer, and McMullen.

In Spring 2019, Holtcamp will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education K:12 with a Teaching Licensure.

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.

SHAPE America has 50 state affiliates and is a founding partner of national initiatives such as the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, Active Schools (formerly Let’s Move! Active Schools) and the Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart programs. “50 Million Strong by 2029” is our commitment to put all children on the path to health and physical literacy through effective health and physical education programs.

For more information, visit www.shapeamerica.org