Berea College Student Nationally Honored as Major of the Year in Health & Human Performance


Jaden Johnson

Jaden Johnson named Major of the Year in Health & Human Performance by Shape America

By Joey Martelli, Shape America

SHAPE America–Society of Health and Physical Educators honored Jaden Johnson of Berea College as a Major of the Year during the organization’s 136th National Convention and Expo, held April 26-30th in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The award celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the health, physical education, recreation, and dance professions who are nominated by a faculty advisor or professor. Johnson was recognized on Tuesday, April 26th during the Opening General Session.

“The outstanding achievements of future professionals like Jaden is integral to the future of SHAPE America and our profession.” said SHAPE America President Terri Drain, the Founder and Coordinator of the Health and Physical Education Collaborative.

Johnson has been an active participant for the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program at various local schools for the past three years, and has grown throughout her time working with children and youth. At first, Johnson was a participant who helped implement the lesson plans that were already created. As Johnson grew in her teaching, she took on more mentoring roles by creating and implementing the lesson plans and assisting to evaluate her peers.

“Receiving this award is not only an honor to me, but also my professors, family and mentors who have made this achievement possible. As I continue with my academic endeavors, with a mission to increase accessibility and inclusivity for those who are differently-abled, I will carry this achievement with me as encouragement to keep moving forward.” said Johnson.

In 2022, Johnson will graduate from Berea College with a B.S. in Health and Human Performance P-12 Education.

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Tags: graduation, Health and Human Performance Department, shape america

Berea College, the first interracial and coeducational college in the South, focuses on learning, labor and service. The College only admits academically promising students with limited financial resources—primarily from Kentucky and Appalachia—but welcomes students from 41 states and 76 countries. Every Berea student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship, which means no Berea student pays for tuition. Berea is one of nine federally recognized Work Colleges, so students work 10 hours or more weekly to earn money for books, housing and meals. The College’s motto, “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth,” speaks to its inclusive Christian character.