Alexa Salo, a senior majoring in health and physical education, is being recognized as a Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America Major of the Year. The award “celebrates outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance.”

Salo has been active both on and off campus. She has been a yearly attendee of Minnesota’s SHAPE (MNSHAPE) conferences, as well as serving on their awards committee. A member of UMD’s Physical Education Teacher Education club since 2022 and its president since 2024, she has organized and participated in multiple events, from food drives to nursing home outreach activities and UMD’s Admitted Student Day. 

She has also demonstrated a spirit of service to the larger community. She has volunteered for the Arrowhead Youth Games, worked to organize field trips with local elementary students and a fundraiser to support breast cancer patients.

“Being named a SHAPE America Major of The Year is a huge honor, recognizing both my academic efforts and my passion for PE,” Salo says. “I definitely attribute my nomination and receiving the SHAPE award to my instructor, Patty Wendinger. She played a huge role in my journey, especially when I decided to switch majors in the spring of my sophomore year. Thanks to her support, I was able to get involved in many experiences, including joining the MNSHAPE board.”

Wendinger is proud to have Salo in the program. “She demonstrates passion, excellence, and professionalism throughout her undergraduate work. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow and develop into not only a great physical educator, but also a positive advocate for the health and physical education profession,” she says. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving to earn this award.” 

Salo will be honored at the 2025 SHAPE National Convention and Expo in Baltimore, Maryland in early April. Moving forward, she is excited to start her career in physical education and health, teaching and making a positive impact on students’ lives.