KEARNEY – University of Nebraska at Kearney seniors Jena Cottam of Hebron and Baylee Brownawell of Hershey have been named Majors of the Year in health and physical education by SHAPE America.
They were recognized Tuesday by the Society of Health and Physical Educators during the organization’s national convention in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in health, physical education, recreation and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty adviser or professor.
“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Jena and Baylee are integral to the future of SHAPE America and our profession,” said SHAPE America President Terri Drain.
Cottam received multiple scholarships in health and physical education, achieved status on the dean’s list each semester and is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma honor society. She worked and served in leadership roles at UNK Campus Recreation and has been active in the Health and Physical Education Majors Club, where she networked with peers and participated in events related to the major. Cottam will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.
Brownawell is currently president of the Health and Physical Education Majors Club, a Susan Thompson Buffett Scholar and STEM Ambassador. She volunteers in the community and on campus. Her health education leadership includes presenting at the SHAPE Nebraska conference about teaching human development for health and physical education teachers attending from across the state. Brownawell will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education.
