Physical Education Faculty and Students Share National Stage

Dr. Shawn Ladda, professor of physical education and human performance, was voted to serve as president of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS) in 2009. NAGWS is a national association and part of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).

The role gives Ladda the opportunity to continue her work of trying to increase equitable opportunities for girls and women in the sport arena. In June, she was invited to the White House to be a part of a Title IX celebration that President Obama organized. It was the first time that a president hosted such an event. Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor and assistant to the president for intergovernmental affairs and public engagement, was the point person on the panel, which consisted of Billie Jean King and Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Video of the hour-long panel can be viewed Here.

Through this national service, Ladda was afforded the chance to select a Manhattan College student to attend the National AAHPERD Student Leadership Conference. The Undergraduate Student Leadership Conference provides AAHPERD undergraduate student members with a leadership development experience. The conference program includes activities to prepare participants for leadership opportunities in physical education, health promotion and education, fitness, sports, dance and recreation. Students have the opportunity to interact with more than 100 peers and AAHPERD leaders from around the country. 

Each state, district, and national association within AAHPERD is invited to sponsor two undergraduate student leaders to participate. The program offers a variety of sessions, including leadership strategies, networking activities, educational topics and fun recreational opportunities, such as a high adventure course and a team challenge course conducted by a variety of AAHPERD leaders and staff.

Kara Scanlon ’10 was the NAGWS representative attending the camp. Ladda also nominated Kaitlin Rodriguez ’11 to run for the President Elect – Future Professionals position of New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD). Through this nomination, the state of New York selected Rodriguez to join Scanlon, which marked the first time that Manhattan College students were selected to take part in this national leadership conference. The pair were flown to Camp Letts, located on a beautiful inlet off the sparkling Chesapeake Bay from October 22-25, 2009. 

In November, the NYSAHPERD conference was held at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, N.Y. At the conference, Scanlon and Rodriguez presented “Big City, Big Classes: Teach Kickboxing to Increase Active Learning Time” to nearly 70 attendees, including teaching professionals and students.

In addition, Rodriguez, along with a student from SUNY-Brockport, delivered a speech outlining why they should be selected as the next President Elect-Future Professionals of NYSAHPERD. The Manhattan College junior won a close vote and will assume the position of president of the organization in fall 2010.

Rodriguez’s election was truly a team effort. In preparation and practice, she was supported by the trio of Scanlon, Theresa Anderson ’11 and Nicole Michel ’11.

“All in all, this experience is something I will remember for a lifetime,” says Rodriguez. “I experienced so many new things. I spoke in front of a large group, presented an activity that can help students be healthier, and met wonderful, hardworking people; people that I aspire to be like. I am so grateful for this experience and am looking forward for the upcoming EDA conference, attending council meetings, and promoting how important it is to be an active member of NYSAHPERD.”

Rodriguez and Scanlon are scheduled to present at the Eastern District Association of AAHPERD conference in Rye, N.Y., in February and at the National AAHPERD conference in March in Indianapolis, Ind.