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Biddeford, Maine

Helen Harrod Clark ’21 claims Outstanding Future Professional Award

Helen Harrod Clark ’21 (Applied Exercise Science)
Helen Harrod Clark ’21 (Applied Exercise Science)

Helen Harrod Clark (Applied Exercise Science, ’21) has been selected as one of two Eastern District recipients of the Outstanding Future Professional Award by the Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).

Originally nominated for the Maine Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s Outstanding Future Professionals Award by Katie Hawke, M.S., associate clinical professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Performance, Harrod Clark’s impressive resume was then submitted for consideration at the regional level, at which she now has been selected for distinction.

Harrod Clark, who is minoring in coaching, has been on the dean’s list throughout her time at UNE, while also serving as a captain of UNE’s women’s cross-country team and as a student coaching intern at Thornton Academy with the indoor track and field team. She is also a strength and conditioning intern at UNE, and coordinates fundraising campaigns for youth anxiety prevention organization such as 100 Miles for Youth Mental Health in 2019 and Race for the Future in August 2020.

“Helen is a tremendous young professional who is already improving the health, fitness, and wellness of Maine’s population. She is growth-minded and future-focused, but she has a wonderful aptitude to be in the moment with her clients and athletes,” said Lyndie Kelly, RSCC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, coordinator of strength and conditioning at UNE. “I already consider Helen a colleague and fellow fitness professional in our state. I am beyond proud to be one of her mentors, and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes.”

Normally, in non-pandemic times, the next step for Harrod Clark would be a trip to Baltimore to meet the other regional recipients of this prestigious award and receive mentorship from professionals in the field through the 2021 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo. This year, however, the event will be held virtually over four days in April.

Participating in the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo will still be an honor for Harrod Clark and a wonderful networking opportunity for her and the other award recipients. The event is considered the leading professional development opportunity for health and physical education professionals. It includes teachers, university professors, and other professionals who share what they know and draw from one another’s expertise to become more effective professionals.

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.