A Coastal Carolina University physical education faculty member and student were recently recognized at the 96th annual South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (SCAHPERD) Conference held in Myrtle Beach. Nilo Ramos, Ph.D., an associate professor of physical education in CCU’s Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences, was presented with the organization’s University Physical Educator of the Year award while Kayden Ray, a senior physical education major and CCU Teaching Fellow, received the Robert Hampton Scholarship.

“It is an honor to be recognized with this award when you have many colleagues doing an outstanding job at their universities,” said Ramos, who also serves as coordinator of CCU’s Physical Education Teacher Education program. “Receiving this award reinforces the initiatives we have created in our physical education program to support and prepare our students for successful careers as PE teachers.”

The scholarship is awarded to a student who serves as positive role model for the profession and their peers, shows evidence of professional commitment, and assumes responsibility for their professional growth.

“Receiving this scholarship has been a tremendous accomplishment for me,” said Ray. “I want to thank my family, friends, classmates, and professors for believing in me. I plan on using this scholarship and knowledge from SCAHPERD to apply in my own classroom. This scholarship will allow me to broaden my knowledge and prepare myself for this new journey.”