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A West Virginia University alumnus has received a national award for his work as a high school social studies teacher. It took a twist in professions for Phil Caskey to discover his new passion – teaching – where he excels.

A three-time WVU degree holder and current University High School (Morgantown, W.Va.) social studies educator, Caskey was named the 2016 Civil War Trust National Teacher of the Year. He was honored in July at the Trust’s Summer Teacher’s Institute in Richmond, Va.

A desire to repay West Virginia University for positive experiences has led Steve Hyer to establish a new endowment for the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences that will provide scholarships for CPASS students.

“This gift offers excellent opportunities for our students. The funds fill an ongoing need at CPASS as we expand our programs and learning experiences for students,” said Dana D. Brooks, CPASS dean and professor of Physical Education.

Lindsey Blom, EdD 2005, sport and exercise psychology, has been named a Fellow for the 2016 Journey Executive Leadership program recognizing Indiana leaders in youth development. Blom, SEP associate professor at Ball State University, manages the “Soccer for Social Change” program alongside the Indiana Soccer Association. 

Blom has introduced the program in multiple countries worldwide. She plans to study the effects of sport, specifically soccer for youth development in Liberia. Prior to receiving the Fellowship, Blom has helped youth in countries such as Jordan and Tajikistan learn life lessons through the game of soccer. 

Reggie Scott, a CPASS athletic training graduate, has received the 2015 NFL Athletic Training Staff of the Year award. Scott is director of sports medicine and performance for the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to this position Scott served as head athletic trainer for the Rams for five years. 

The Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society presents the NFL Athletic   Training Staff of the Year award for excellence within the athletic training profession. This is the first season that the Rams have earned the honor. 

David Carr has learned the art of perseverance. After 10 years and numerous hardships, he has landed his dream job as a college football coach.

His journey started when he was coaching at Shepard University which required a master’s degree to teach. While earning his online sport management master’s degree in 2007, Carr and his family were going through a difficult time. His wife was fighting cancer which she ultimately survived.

Ryan Gordy, MS in PETE 2010-2012 cohort, works as a wellness instructor at Canton High School and is the Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach at Canton High School, Canton, MA. He teaches both physical education and health classes 9-12. He’s taught for seven years and coached high school basketball for 10 years, and served as the varsity coach at CHS for five years.

According to Gordy, Massachusetts has an extensive teacher certification program requiring multiple years of service, professional development, standardized testing, furthered education and positive evaluations. The state uses a tiered system consisting of three levels. Certification begins with a preliminary license, followed by an initial license and eventually ending at a professional license.

What started as a class project has expanded a CPASS graduate’s efforts in helping young athletes to excel.

Ethan Brown, a May 2015 B.S., Athletic Coaching Education graduate, developed sport-specific instruction related to skill techniques to help players succeed. He had to first convince the athletes’ parents to support the training, though.

Remarkable effort and determination have paid dividends for two College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences students. Nicole Young and Elizabeth Janeiro were chosen for the 2015 class of McNair Scholars as members of an elite program that began at WVU in 1999.

A federally-funded TRIO program, McNair Scholars helps high-achieving first-generation and underrepresented students prepare for graduate school. McNair Scholars serves students through financial assistance, academic guidance and counseling and undergraduate research opportunities.

This fall, two College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences graduates will join the WVU 2015 Sports Hall of Fame induction class.

On September 26, prior to the West Virginia-Maryland football game, WVU Sports will recognize six honorees for their extraordinary contributions made both as student-athletes and in their careers.

The Philadelphia Flyers are the recipients of this season’s Dick Dillman Award. The Flyers staff is led by College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences former student Zack Hill. The Dillman Award honors the team judged to have the top public relations department in the National Hockey League each season.

“It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers as well as the national media,” Hill said.