Sarah Wentworth: Future health educator earns national recognition for service

Growing up in Falmouth, Maine, Sarah Wentworth said she always loved school and playing sports. Wentworth was a three-sport athlete at Falmouth High School, playing field hockey in the fall, ice hockey in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. 

“All my mentors were teachers or coaches, or both,” said Wentworth, now a senior at the University of Maine majoring in kinesiology and physical education with a concentration in teaching and coaching.

Recently, Wentworth was recognized by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America with one of the organization’s Major of the Year awards, which celebrate outstanding undergraduate students in the fields of health, physical education, recreation and dance. Honorees must be in their junior or senior year, with a 3.0 or higher grade point average and a two-year track record of service to a school or community.

Wentworth credits the UMaine College of Education and Human Development for providing opportunities to engage in leadership and community service. As a member of the Physical Education Student Organization, she helped put together a clothing drive last year that collected donations for the Old Town-Orono YMCA. She’s a student representative on the board of the Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and has attended the group’s annual conference the past two years. She’s currently president of the UMaine women’s club lacrosse team and coaches youth lacrosse, both in Falmouth and with Wicked North Lacrosse, an organization based in Hampden that aims to involve high school girls with the sport.

“Sports have always been my outlet and something that pushed me,” said Wentworth. “I love mentoring younger girls, watching them grow and helping them build confidence and realize their potential.”

SHAPE America will hold a ceremony to recognize Major of the Year recipients at its national convention and expo in Cleveland, Ohio, March 12–16. Wentworth, who is completing her student teaching field placement this semester, will not be able to attend. But she says it’s still an honor.

“Leadership comes naturally to me and it’s where I see myself contributing,” she said. “To be recognized for being a leader and giving back, it really means a lot.”

Read a longer profile of Wentworth on the UMaine College of Education and Human Development website. 

Contact: Casey Kelly, casey.kelly@maine.edu