Abby King, a senior physical education student from Clintonville, was presented the 2023 Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (WHPE) Student of the Year at the annual state convention Oct. 25-27 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. She is the first UW-Stevens Point student to win this award, which is only in its second year.
The Student of the Year award recognizes one outstanding student (future professional) who is a current WHPE member with at least one year of previous membership. The individual must be on track toward a degree in health, physical education or adapted physical education and have junior or senior standing.
“Abby has been a standout in her areas of service and professional development,” said Ann Hockett, assistant professor of physical education who nominated King. “She presented at the conference with me as well as was accepted to co-present at the national SHAPE Conference.”
King is a member of both WHPE and the national Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) who has completed numerous volunteer hours with K-5 students related to physical activity, swimming, coaching and camps. She has engaged as a classroom substitute teacher in the role of paraprofessional for students with special needs, while maintaining Dean’s List status for multiple semesters.
King has also participated in professional development at both WHPE as a presenter and SHAPE New Orleans as an attendee. Currently, she serves as WHPE future professional secretary and vice president for the UWSP SHAPER Club.