University of Wisconsin-Platteville senior Riley Glonek was honored with the 2022 Society of Health and Physical Educator (SHAPE) Major of the Year Award. The national award celebrates undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance who exhibit excellence in and out of the classroom as teacher candidates.
“I nominated Riley as he embodies what a successful teacher candidate in our physical education program should have: initiative, a positive attitude, a willingness for constant improvement and responsibility,” said Timothy Swenson, assistant professor in the Health and Human Performance Department at UW-Platteville. “Riley was a leader among our HHP students. He did a lot of things that made him stand out. This included coming up with innovative virtual PE lessons to teach during COVID as well as presenting at our state health and physical education conference.”
Glonek, a health and human performance physical education major from Dodgeville, Wisconsin, is currently student teaching at the Argyle School District in Argyle, Wisconsin.
“I feel honored to receive this award. It's crazy to think that I have been studying the SHAPE America standards for the past three-and-a-half years and am now being recognized by them on a national level. It shows that through hard work and determination, you can achieve milestones to add to your journey,” said Glonek. “The professors in the HHP Department are wizards when it comes to building a teacher-student connection. They give great input, support and recognition of positive work. Their passion for the profession is contagious.”
SHAPE America serves as the voice for 200,000-plus health and physical education professionals across the United States. The organization provides programs, resources and advocacy that support an inclusive, active and healthier school culture. Its mission is to advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport.