Shanklin earns statewide Health Education Major of the Year

The SHAPE Nebraska award ceremony took place during SHAPE Nebraska’s annual fall conference Nov. 7 in Lincoln. Students at CSC are nominated for Major of the Year by faculty members in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) department. This year, students in Dr. Dawn Brammer’s Special Methods/HPER (EDUC431C) class earned a Dean’s Council grant to pay their SHAPE Nebraska membership fees.

Other CSC winners include Joel Carpenter of Sturgis, S.D., Physical Education Major of the Year, Parker Gonser of Windsor, Colo., Sport and Recreation Management Major of the Year, Braden Mechem of Torrington, Wyo., Exercise Science Major of the Year, and Kenzey Kanno of Morrill, Neb., Athletic Training Major of the Year.

During Shanklin’s college career, he has coached football in Hot Springs, worked at Chadron Middle School’s after-school program, and served as one of SHAPE Nebraska’s board members. He has also volunteered for SHAPE Nebraska’s Western Nebraska PE Summit and CSC Fitness and Nutrition Days in addition to serving as a volunteer coach and official for the Black Hills Youth Football League. He believes these volunteer and service opportunities, along with his work experiences, contributed to his nomination.

Shanklin originally came to CSC to pursue math, but said he quickly realized that Health Education was for him after taking a couple of HPER classes. He credits the entire HPER department for helping him realize he wants to share his passion for health and fitness with children.

“Every one of my HPER professors helped me realize that HPER was where I wanted to be,” said Shanklin. “I have taken a lot of great classes with a lot of great professors.”

Shanklin also notes a high school teacher for impacting his desire to become a teacher and a coach.

“I need to give credit to my high school health and PE teacher, Mr. Ben Kramer, as he also helped to show me how impactful and amazing being a teacher and coach can be,” Shanklin said. “My experience with him also helped me make my decision to major in Health Education.”

Brammer recognizes Shanklin for his connection to learning and application of skills when working with his students. 

“Caden is very engaged in learning content and activities to support the needs of his students,” Brammer said. “He is very thorough in his work and is able to deliver the content in a way that students understand.”

Brammer also notes Shanklin’s passion and efforts that make him deserve the award.

“His passion for teaching and coaching is evident in his preparation and delivery,” she said. “I believe he was nominated for this award because he goes above and beyond on his assignments and is willing to put in the extra effort helping set up and take down equipment. He has a great personality to get along with most everyone.”

Shanklin expressed gratitude for the help he has received throughout his educational journey at CSC.

“Every HPER professor has helped me in a different way to become a better teacher in the future. I do not know where I would be without them; they proved to me every day that CSC was the right choice to receive my college education. I am grateful for the countless people who have helped me along the way,” he said.

After graduating from CSC, Shanklin plans to become a teacher and a coach in South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, or Montana.

According to SHAPE Nebraska’s mission statement, the organization strives to promote healthy lifestyles through leadership, professional development, and advocacy in the areas of health, physical education, recreation, and dance. Students from colleges and universities with a SHAPE Nebraska membership are eligible for Major of the Year. The nominees are voted on by the SHAPE Nebraska board in both Health and Physical Education categories.