Springfield College Physical Education and Health Education Department and Office of Alumni Relations Host Youth in Motion Program

The Springfield College Physical Education and Health Education Department and the Office of Alumni Relations hosted an initiative titled “Youth in Motion,” on Friday, Oct. 24, designed to give high school sophomores and juniors a chance to explore and advance their skills in leadership, physical activity, and health. Professional development sessions also were held for Springfield College alumni serving as physical educators and counselors in the high schools who attended the program.

Organized by Springfield College Physical Education Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator Michelle Moosbrugger, multiple high schools from throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut attended the activities at the College’s East Campus, which is 82 acres of a forest ecosystem located near the main campus that is designed for experiential learning opportunities in an out-of-doors setting.

During the morning session, participants were welcomed by Springfield College Physical Education and Health Education Department Chair Stephen Coulon, followed by attendees taking part in leadership activities on the East Campus Challenge Course facilitated by East Campus staff members and students from the Springfield College Physical Education Club and Health Education Club. Participating physical educators and counselors participated in breakout sessions with Springfield College Psychology Department Chair Allison Cumming-McCann and Springfield College Director of Educator Preparation Linda Davis-Delano.

Following the morning programs, participating high school students had lunch with Springfield College student leaders from the Physical Education and Health Education Department. Physical educators and counselors enjoyed time with Springfield College Associate Director of Career Services Michael Hill, Springfield College Director of Admissions Rich Veres, and Springfield College Director of Alumni Relations Tamie Kidess Lucey.

To conclude the program, interactive health and physical activity career exploration stations were set up for participating students allowing them to meet current health education and physical education students, as well as listen to presentations from Springfield College physical education professors Ted France, Charlie Sullivan, Kathy Mangano, graduate student Meghan Flanagan, and Professor of Health Education Shannon Whalen.    

Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy—educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. With its foundation of academic excellence and rich athletic heritage, Springfield College prepares students with real-world leadership skills for careers that transform lives and communities. The college offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of health sciences, human and social services, sport management and movement studies, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It also offers doctoral programs in physical education, physical therapy, and counseling psychology. The college is ranked in the 2014 edition of “Best Colleges” in the top tier of “Best Regional Universities – North Region” by U.S.News Media Group, and is designated as a premier Leadership Development Center by the YMCA of the USA. More than 5,000 traditional, nontraditional and international students study at its main campus in Springfield, Mass., and at its School of Human Services campuses across the country.