Shorewood graduate - Shorecrest student teacher nationally honored by professional association

Kelsey Machado awarded national honor

SHAPE America – Society of Health and Physical Educators -- will honor Kelsey Machado of Western Washington University as a Major of the Year during the organization’s 134th National Convention and Expo, April 9-13, in Tampa, Florida.

Kelsey is a Shorewood graduate and a Western Washington student who is doing her student teaching at Shorecrest High School.

The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the health, physical education, recreation and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty advisor or professor.

Machado will be recognized on Thursday, April 11 during the Major of the Year Awards Ceremony. 

“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Kelsey 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 Judy LoBianco of Maplewood School District (NJ).

Machado has worked for the Health and Human Development department at Western as a desk attendant throughout her time in college. This job has allowed her to see the professional side of the department through working with professors and answering questions from incoming students.

In the summers and after school Machado also worked for Skyhawks Sports Academy as an area director. Through Skyhawks she refined her teaching ability through working with campers and teaching young adults the skills they need to be a good coach.

Currently finishing up her student teaching at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington, Machado has gotten involved inside and outside of school through helping out at the weekly track meets and supporting her students at their sporting events.

“Being recognized at the upcoming conference is not only a honor but also an exciting opportunity to learn from professionals across the country. I am thrilled to attend sessions and see the impact it will have in my future work as I enter the field,” says Machado.

Dr. Nick Washburn of Western Washington University said, 

"Kelsey has consistently demonstrated the dispositions of an effective and compassionate professional physical educator. Her attention to detail, willingness to experiment with progressive methodology, and humanistic approach to teaching make her an incredible asset to our profession.”

In March 2019, Machado graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in K-12 Physical Education and Health.

More information about SHAPE America’s National Convention and Expo.

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.