Minot State graduates earn NDSHAPE 2018 awards

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University graduates Kathryn Lenertz and Jason Steele were recently named 2018 Administrator of the Year and Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the North Dakota Society for Health and Physical Educators (NDSHAPE). Lenertz and Steele will receive their awards at the organization’s state conference Sept. 24 in Bismarck.

“It is an honor receiving the Elementary Administrator of the Year award from NDSHAPE. I have the privilege of working with some wonderful educators within my district, state, and Central District. It is my hope to continue to be an advocate for students along with all of them. Our kids deserve our best,” Lenertz, principal at Dakota Elementary at the Minot Air Force Base, said.

Lenertz graduated from Minot High School and received degrees in both business education and physical education at Minot State University in 1996. She also holds a master’s degree in elementary and secondary administration from North Dakota State University.

“I have had the privilege of offering many MSU graduates positions within Minot Public Schools,” Lenertz said.

Steele teaches K-5 elementary physical education at Perkett Elementary in Minot, coaches junior varsity baseball for Minot High School, and was an assistant girls’ varsity hockey coach for 11 years prior to retiring from the position in 2018.

He graduated from Minot State University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and is currently working on his master’s degree from the University of Jamestown.

“Winning the 2018 NDSHAPE Elementary Teacher of the Year award was exciting and humbling,” Steele said. “Without a solid group of teachers to work with, administration that is very open to my ideas, a large social network of people across the world, and a fantastic wife, this award would not have been possible. I am grateful to be the recipient of this award and I look forward to new opportunities in the future.”

Lenertz and Steele said their experiences at Minot State were formative.

“Memorable moments at Minot State would have included instructors Bert Leidholt and Gary Leslie. They wanted all students to succeed and were always willing to listen, provide feedback, and push us to exceed any limitations we saw in ourselves,” Lenertz said. “They are two passionate caring professors that I feel left a great legacy. I hope we have made them proud!

“I love all of the physical appearances the university has undertaken since my undergraduate days. It is a beautiful campus and I am excited to have one of [my] daughters currently attending MSU.”

“I had a great experience at Minot State and I had many incredible professors and mentors. My professors gave me a great foundation of knowledge and skills to become the teacher I am today,” Steele said.

NDSHAPE was established in 1928 to encourage and provide professional development and support for health, physical education, recreation, and dance (HPERD) professionals. The awards were voted on by Lenertz and Steele’s peers.

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 09/21/18   


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