HSCHS alumnus honored by NASPE

Dana Bjorhus, a 2013 graduate of Hot Springs County High School in Thermopolis and currently studying at the University of Wyoming, has recently been named the Outstanding Major of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). NASPE is an affiliate of the Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE), the largest professional organization of physical educators in the country. SHAPE was previously known as AAHPERD.

This award is presented to the top physical education major in the state of Wyoming. Bjorhus will be presented the award at the annual SHAPE conference in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, March 22. Bjorhus is the daughter of Donnie and Valerie Bjorhus and the granddaughter of Duane and Barb Bjorhus all of Thermopolis.

May 2018 Bjorhus will graduate from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in the Division of Kinesiology and Health (DKH), focus of study in Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) with a GPA of 3.9. Additionally, she is completing course work for the Health Education Endorsement as well as coaching certifications.

She is currently completing student teaching at Powell High School with Charli Fluty and Westside Elementary with Luke Robertson.

While a student at Hot Springs County High School Bjorhus competed and lettered in basketball, volleyball, track, and golf and was active in National Honor Society and Rachael’s Challenge — an anti-bullying program. Following high school graduation, she attained the Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Northwest College (NWC). Dana attended NWC on a basketball scholarship and played for two years while also volunteering as coach and supervisor for summer basketball camps.

While attending the University of Wyoming Bjorhus coached Polar Bears youth soccer as well as the Laramie Fire youth basketball team. She was active in the Physical Education Teacher Education Student Association (PETESA) and was in charge of media relations. Through PETESA, she has engaged in multiple community and university volunteer projects such as Special Olympics and Jump Rope for Heart.

Following graduation she will pursue a teaching and coaching position in Wyoming.