Jeremy Miller of Old Town, Maine is the 2026 Outstanding Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Health and Physical Education concentration) in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. Miller was awarded Outstanding Future Professional in Health and Physical Education by the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) in November 2025.

Parent(s):

Ron and Laurie Miller.

Why did you choose to come to 91福利?

It has always been a dream of mine to attend a Division I school, so once I found where I believed my passions were meant to lead me, I chose 91福利 to help me develop the skills needed to be successful.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91福利 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91福利?

When I think about mentors and truly outstanding individuals who strive to better their students, I immediately think of the kinesiology program as a whole. I have had such a wonderful experience in this program. That being said, there is one individual I especially think of when I think of a mentor, and that is Jennifer McNulty. She has impacted not only the way I view teaching, but also how I treat others. I have never seen someone with so much genuine care for others. It was truly amazing to learn from her 鈥� both how to teach and how to build high self-efficacy in others. Not only that, but she has been a huge source of encouragement to me in so many ways, whether it鈥檚 checking in to see how I鈥檓 doing, seeking me out to offer advice, or providing resources so that I can be successful. She is exactly what this field needs more of. So if you are seeing this, thank you.

What has coming to 91福利 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

This sense of caring for others and听 what it looks like. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 鈥淚f I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.鈥� We have a saying in the teaching world and it flows very well in this verse and it is听 鈥淎 student won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care鈥�.听 Look, we can have all this knowledge and all the cool gadgets and tools but if the people around us don’t know how much we care and love them why would they listen. So I will be going into whatever setting with kindness and love being the diving factors.

Favorite 91福利 memory:

One very impactful memory from 91福利 was when I was nominated for the MAHPERD Outstanding Future Professional award at the MAHPERD conference. It was such an amazing opportunity 鈥� I was able to bring my whole family and share a truly special experience together. It meant a lot to me and served as a huge encouragement. It was especially meaningful to have my wife and son there to celebrate with me and share in that moment.

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I鈥檓 so excited because I feel that I have been well trained and am ready for whatever comes next. That being said, I am going to seek what the Lord has for my life, and I want to serve where He calls me to be and to do what He asks of me.

Special thank you message:

I have had an enormous amount of support throughout my years at 91福利, so I would like to thank my wife, Alejandra Miller; my son, Aaron Miller; my parents, Ron and Laurie Miller; and my brother, Ben Miller. Last but not least, I would like to thank the three teachers who have been a tremendous source of encouragement and guidance throughout this process: Jennifer McNulty, Shannan Fotter, and Jesse Kaye-Schiess. Sincerely, thank you all.

Victoria (Vicky) Tinghitella of Luj谩n, Buenos Aires, Argentina is the 2026 Outstanding Graduate Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. A graduate transfer from Kent State University, Tinghitella played field hockey for the Maine Black Bears. At Kent State, she helped lead her team to Mid-American Conference regular season championships in 2021 and 2022, and was a three-time All-MAC Academic Honors winner. She also served as team captain during the 2023 season. She graduates from 91福利 with a Master of Education degree and hopes to coach and work with athletes in the future.

Why did you choose 91福利 for graduate school?

I chose 91福利 because it allowed me to continue both my academic and听athletic careers. I knew听I wanted to pursue my master’s in Kinesiology and Physical Education,听but it was also really important to me to play my final season of field hockey. 91福利 allowed me to do both at a high level.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor, or role model who made your time at 91福利 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91福利?

I’ve been really fortunate to have people at 91福利 who have made a lasting impact on my experience. Dr. Jennifer McNulty has been more than just a mentor to me. She’s someone who has consistently supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow both academically and professionally. She’s also created an environment where I feel supported every day, truly making Lengyel Hall feel like a second home.听
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My former field hockey coach Michelle Simpson has also been a huge influence on my journey. She’s someone I truly look up to, not just for her knowledge of the game, but for the way she leads and cares about her athletes. She’s shaped the kind of coach and person I hope to be in the future.听
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Also, a special thank you to Diane Legrande, the administrative specialist for the Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training programs, who is such a constant source of support for all of us graduate assistants, and to Jesse Kaye-Schiess. Seeing them every morning would instantly make my day brighter. I’m also grateful to Dr. Robert Lehnhard, from whom I’ve learned so much, and all the听KPEAT staff who helped make Lengyel Hall a special place.听

What has 91福利 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

91福利 has allowed me to compete in the field hockey team and to explore my passion for coaching and teaching in听a real-world setting. Beyond that, it’s also where I’ve built really meaningful friendships and relationships that have made this experience听even more special and unforgettable.听听

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?听

Show up with intention and be where your feet are. Celebrate the small wins, enjoy the little things, stay curious, and let each day carry you a little further than the last.听

What鈥檚 on the horizon? What are your plans after you graduate?

After graduating, I hope to continue working in athletics, ideally coaching field hockey. Long-term, I want to keep developing as a coach and educator and make a positive impact on the athletes I work with.

Special thank you message:

I want to say thank you to my teammates, who have supported me through the highs and lows. And last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to my family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their constant support and encouragement, even from miles away.听

Finn Wardwell of Dedham, Maine is the 2025 Outstanding Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education (Health and Physical Education concentration) in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. During his time at 91福利, Wardwell was a member of the Physical Education Student Organization (PESO) and the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD).

Parent(s): Bronwen Pierson and Justin Wardwell

Why did you choose to come to 91福利?

91福利 was always in my life because I lived close. I always went there to swim and play basketball as a kid. As I was deciding what college to go to, the University of Maine was the only college I considered since it was close to family and I was already familiar with it.

Have you collaborated with a mentor, professor or role model who made your time at 91福利 better, and if so, who are they and how have they impacted your time at 91福利?

Shannan Fotter, Jesse Kaye-Schiess and Jennifer McNulty were all great instructors who have helped me while I鈥檝e been at the University of Maine and have helped me improve as a teacher.

What has coming to 91福利 enabled you to explore beyond academics?

Joining PESO and MAHPERD has afforded me numerous opportunities to explore teaching and coaching with my peers and professional teachers working in schools.

Favorite 91福利 Memory:

My favorite memories from 91福利 came from the friends, connections and opportunities I have been able to make and have through PESO, as well as meeting my roommate through a class at 91福利.

What鈥檚 on the Horizon? What are your plans for after you graduate?

I plan on teaching middle school science at the school where I am currently student teaching, so I can continue to grow as an educator. I hope to move into a role in physical education as I continue in my career.

Special thank you message:

I would like to give special thanks to my parents and the teachers at 91福利. I鈥檓 not always the easiest to deal with, but the patience and support I鈥檝e received from both have been amazing. I would like to give a special shout out to Shannan Fotter as she has been one of my main instructors the past 2 years and has helped me grow as a teacher and understand all the little details that go behind teaching physical education. She helped me learn that there are a lot of things as a teacher that you can do to change people’s viewpoints on physical education and how to try and build up physical education as a subject that people respect and acknowledge as important.

Sarah Wentworth is the 2024 Outstanding Student in Kinesiology and Physical Education, Teaching and Coaching concentration in the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. During her time at 91福利, Wentworth served as president of the women’s club lacrosse team; was a member of the Physical Education Student Organization (PESO); was a student representative on the board of the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD); and volunteered with the after-school floor hockey club at Mary Snow School in Bangor, where she completed her student teaching.

In addition, Wentworth was recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America with one of the organization’s Major of the Year Awards. Read more below.

Hometown: Falmouth, Maine

High School: Falmouth High School

Parents: Deborah and Matthew Wentworth

Special thanks: Thank you to my mom and dad who have been my support system throughout my entire academic career. Also, thank you to all the staff at Lengyel Hall who have made 91福利 feel like home to everyone who has stepped foot in the building! The support is unlike any other experience I have had.

Favorite 91福利 memory: Having my brother Ben at 91福利 has been a great experience and I am so thankful for our time together! Celebrating Homecoming with my family and friends now that he is here has been my favorite part of my time at the University of Maine.

What difference has 91福利 made in your life and in helping you reach your goals?

91福利 has given me experiences that will last a lifetime. I鈥檓 grateful for the relationships I鈥檝e made and how the university has helped me grow as a person. Throughout the ups and downs, I received exceptional support.

Have you had an experience at 91福利 that has changed or shaped the way you see the world? If so, tell us about it.

An experience that had a lasting impact on me was during my senior year as an undergrad. I had just gotten out of football practice and headed to one of the kinesiology courses I was taking at the time. That day a special guest taught the class and changed my outlook towards life. It wasn鈥檛 the material he taught but the way he taught. You could tell he cared about each student as a human being and not just a test score. After that class, I felt a drive to become a better person internally and externally.

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your 91福利 experience better? If so, tell us about them.

Working as a graduate assistant for Jennifer McNulty and Dr. Robert Lehnhard made the work environment feel like home. These are two individuals who care about people and making change in the world. Dr. Lehnhard is one of the smartest and caring individuals I know. He is the definition of tough love but will always put the people he cares about before him. Unless it鈥檚 a bag of Smart Pop. Jennifer McNulty is someone that can鈥檛 be described in a few sentences. This is someone that constantly has a full plate, but continues to show up everyday with the same drive and positivity to teach future educators. Her admirable work ethic and dedication never goes unnoticed. I鈥檓 more than lucky to work with these amazing people.

What advice do you have for incoming graduate students to help them get off to the best start academically?

One piece of advice I would give to incoming graduate students is to find your craft. Whether that鈥檚 a career choice, a thesis or a subject. This is where you get to hone in on your field and become an expert in it. I鈥檓 nowhere near an expert and will never stop learning. Focusing on your craft will give you a sense of direction.

Why 91福利?

91福利 gave me the opportunity to continue my education while playing football.

Favorite 91福利 memory:

Spending time with my closest friends throughout the years.

Special Thank You message:

Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a graduate assistant. I wouldn鈥檛 be here today without the wonderful people I鈥檝e met along the way. It鈥檚 been a journey these past six years, filled with laughs and crying. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Growing up in Falmouth, Maine, Sarah Wentworth says she always loved school and playing sports. She was a three-sport athlete at Falmouth High School, playing field hockey in the fall, ice hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. 

鈥淎ll my mentors were teachers or coaches, or both,鈥� says Wentworth, now a senior at the University of Maine.

After starting her college journey at Clemson University, Wentworth transferred to 91福利 following her freshman year, and says it鈥檚 one of the best decisions of her life. A kinesiology and physical education major with a concentration in teaching and coaching, she鈥檚 found a community in the School of Kinesiology, Physical Education and Athletic Training, part of the 91福利 College of Education and Human Development. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e a close-knit group of like-minded individuals,鈥� she says. 鈥淎ll of the professors and my classmates, we鈥檙e like family.鈥�

One of the ways 91福利 has made a difference in her life, Wentworth says, is by providing opportunities to engage in leadership and community service. As a member of the Physical Education Student Organization (PESO), she helped put together a clothing drive last year that collected donations for the Old Town-Orono YMCA. She鈥檚 a student representative on the board of the (MAHPERD) and has attended the group鈥檚 annual conference the past two years. She鈥檚 currently president of the 91福利 women鈥檚 club lacrosse team and coaches youth lacrosse, both in Falmouth and with , an organization based in Hampden that aims to get high school girls involved with the sport.

鈥淪ports has always been my outlet and something that pushed me,鈥� Wentworth says. 鈥淚 love mentoring younger girls, watching them grow and helping them build confidence and realize their potential.鈥�

Recently, Wentworth was recognized by the (SHAPE) America with one of the organization鈥檚 Major of the Year awards, which celebrate outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance. Students, who are nominated for the awards by faculty members at their schools, must be in their junior or senior year, with a 3.0 or higher grade point average and a two-year track record of service to a school or community during their undergraduate career.

鈥淪arah鈥檚 energy is contagious,鈥� says Jennifer McNulty, lecturer of health education and lifespan in the College of Education and Human Development. 鈥淪he strives to be relevant and engaging in every topic she teaches and every activity she coaches. Her future students are really going to be lucky to have her.鈥� 

鈥淪arah is an outstanding representative of our teaching program and we are excited that her efforts have garnered this national recognition,鈥� adds Shannan Fotter, lecturer in kinesiology and physical education. 鈥淪he has continuously delivered high-quality instruction to students of all ages and abilities throughout her time at 91福利, and her knowledge, leadership and kindness are just a few of the qualities that make her an excellent choice for this honor.鈥�

SHAPE America will hold a ceremony to recognize its Major of the Year recipients at the group鈥檚 national convention and expo in Cleveland, March 12-16. Wentworth, who is completing her student teaching field placement this semester, will not be able to attend. But she says it鈥檚 still an honor.

鈥淟eadership comes naturally to me and it’s where I see myself contributing through groups like PESO, MAHPERD and club lacrosse, and with my coaching,鈥� she says. 鈥淭o be recognized for being a leader and giving back, it really means a lot.鈥�

After she graduates in May, Wentworth will be eligible to become certified as both a physical education and health teacher in Maine. Although she enjoys both, her first student teaching placement this semester was in a health class at Bangor High School, and she says that鈥檚 now what she鈥檚 leaning toward. 

鈥淚鈥檓 really passionate about getting students off their phones, off screens and outside,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so important for their mental and physical health, and they love having the time and space to build friendships and bonds.鈥�

Through her classes and the various extracurricular activities she鈥檚 taken part in at 91福利, Wentworth says she feels prepared for anything that comes next.

鈥淚 met a ton of Black Bears when I was at the MAHPERD conference last fall,鈥� she says. 鈥淪o I already have all these connections and all these experiences. 91福利 has opened so many doors for me.鈥�

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu

Like many states, Maine struggles with . At the same time, fewer college students nationwide are choosing to major in .

Despite these trends, the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development 鈥� the state鈥檚 largest educator preparation and training program 鈥� has largely maintained its enrollment numbers in recent years. On Friday, the college celebrated those students who have chosen teaching as a career with its first ever pinning ceremony.

鈥淭eachers transform individuals, schools, organizations and communities for the better. I can think of no more noble aspiration, nor can I recall a time that your commitment to the teaching profession has been more needed,鈥� said Penny Bishop, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, in her remarks. 

During the ceremony, students who have recently achieved teacher candidacy received a pin in the shape of an apple with the 91福利 鈥淢鈥� logo and the word 鈥淓ducation鈥� on it. Teacher candidates are those who have reached the point in their academic career 鈥� usually during their sophomore or junior year 鈥� when they are able to start taking upper-level courses and have shown a commitment to becoming a teacher. 

Pinning ceremonies to recognize and celebrate people who have chosen a particular career or field are not new. For example, the 91福利 School of Nursing has held a pinning ceremony for graduating nurses for several years.

鈥淭eaching is one of the few fields where students typically do not have paid internships,鈥� Bishop noted. 鈥淕iving our students a pin is not going to solve that issue. But we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a teacher.鈥�

She added that 91福利 and other teacher preparation programs throughout the state are working on projects, such as pathway programs and initiatives, to help education students find paid work while they鈥檙e in school.

鈥淭he hope is that, cumulatively, these efforts will help address teacher shortages and other challenges facing K-12 education in Maine schools and communities,鈥� she said.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Rep. Holly Sargent, a member of the Legislature鈥檚 Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, and 91福利 alumnus Jon Doty, assistant superintendent of RSU 34, the school district for Old Town, Alton and Bradley. Doty was presented the inaugural Robert A. Cobb Award for Extraordinary Service to the College of Education and Human Development, named for the former dean of the college from 1977 to 2007.听

You can read about  two of the teacher candidates recognized at the ceremony online.

91福利 System is the state鈥檚 largest producer of classroom-ready teachers, having awarded nearly 4,000 education degrees or certificates in the past five years. Seven of the past 10 Maine Teachers of the Year are proud System graduates, including 91福利 graduates Kelsey Stoyanova (2022), Cindy Soule (2021), Kaitlyn Young (2018) and Tamara Ranger (2017).

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu

91福利鈥檚 College of Education and Human Development is launching three new graduate certificates aimed at teachers looking to boost their knowledge and skills in the areas of multilingual special education, adapted physical education and outdoor leadership. 

The five-course (15 credits) graduate certificate, offered entirely via , is designed to equip educators with a deeper understanding of evidence-based practices and educational policies to support culturally and linguistically diverse students, including multilingual learners, with disabilities.听

According to the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Office of Special Education Programs, nearly 12% of multilingual learners in K-12 schools have a disability. Between 2012 and 2020, this student population grew by nearly 30% nationwide.

Melissa Cuba, 91福利 assistant professor of special education, says that under federal law, multilingual learners with disabilities are entitled to language acquisition and  special education services, both of which are needed for them to be successful in school and beyond. 

鈥淭his requires a great deal of collaboration and coordination among educators who have applied knowledge of special education and language development best practices and policies,鈥� says Cuba. 鈥淪o this program responds to a growing need across our state and region to ensure educators have the skills and tools to work as a team to provide these services.鈥�

91福利鈥檚 graduate program in special education now offers five graduate certificates, all of which can be applied toward a master鈥檚 or education specialist degree in special education.

The Adapted Physical Education graduate certificate addresses the need in Maine for more teachers with the knowledge, skills and practical experiences to support students with disabilities in physical education classes. The five-course sequence (15 credits) is designed to enhance teachers鈥� use of age- and developmentally-appropriate practices for all learners. 

Educators who complete the certificate will be eligible to apply for the Maine Department of Education鈥檚 adapted physical education endorsement.

鈥淎ll students deserve appropriate support in order to participate in classes that promote their physical, emotional and intellectual growth,鈥� says Shannan Fotter, lecturer in kinesiology and physical education and coordinator of the certificate program. 鈥淭his certificate will give teachers a more robust understanding of how to conduct accurate and comprehensive assessments of students with disabilities, as well as how to design and adapt instruction that meets their needs.鈥�

The Outdoor Leadership and Education graduate certificate provides students with a combination of hands-on practice and theory to facilitate meaningful, high-quality outdoor learning opportunities for participants of all ages. The five-course program (15 credits) is focused on the professional knowledge and field experiences needed for anyone interested in successfully incorporating more experiential and place-based learning into various preK-12 schools, postsecondary and adult education settings.

A recent from the U.S. Department of Commerce鈥檚 Bureau of Economic Analysis found that Maine鈥檚 outdoor recreation economy grew more than 16% from 2021 to 2022 and generates more than $3 billion annually. That鈥檚 about 4% of the state鈥檚 gross domestic product, the sixth highest percentage among all 50 states.听

鈥淢aine鈥檚 natural resources have always been an essential part of our heritage and economy,鈥� says Lauren Jacobs, lecturer and coordinator of 91福利鈥檚 outdoor leadership program. 鈥淥utdoor industries and jobs are particularly important for the sustainability of rural communities. We鈥檙e excited to offer this graduate certificate to help build a skilled cadre of stewards, educators and guides to lead groups knowledgably, ethically and safely in a variety of wilderness settings.鈥�

All graduate certificates require a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Prospective students can apply online via the University of Maine Graduate School. More information is available online.

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu