Jennifer Hamlet, a junior at Lynchburg College, will receive the Southern District Future Professional Award from the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD).
One of six national winners, Hamlet was the top winner among 17 states in the Southern District. She will receive her award at the national conference in Texas April 12. She is the first LC student to receive this recognition.
"It's certainly an auspicious award at this level," said Dr. Charlotte Guynes, Hamlet's advisor and professor.
A health promotion major, Hamlet is one of two students on the Virginia Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (VAHPERD) board. VAHPERD is a professional association of educators who advocate quality programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance and sport. The association seeks to facilitate professional growth and educational practices and legislation that will impact the profession.
"Jennifer's a scholar," Dr. Guynes said, "and she cares so much about what will influence her discipline."
Hamlet, who is from Hampstead, Md., plans to go into corporate wellness. She is a Westover Scholar and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, STING, PACE, and the LC Concert Choir and Choral Union.
STING is a professional student organization designed to support, encourage, and provide assistance to members with an interest in health and physical education, health promotion, athletic training, exercise physiology, sport management, or recreation.
PACE (Peer Advocates for Campus Education) provides information, programs, and campus-wide speakers to help students make informed decisions about their health and safety.