Lynn resident Ivy Martin, 22, was named an “Outstanding Future Professional” by the Massachusetts Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD).
Martin graduated from Salem State University on May 18, 2019, after taking a full course-load, working part-time, and volunteering, all while managing Scleritis, an autoimmune disease that affects her vision.
Martin is one out of six recipients of this annual statewide award that honors students who show dedication to becoming an outstanding future professional in one of MAPHERD’s education fields.
Having majored in physical education at Salem State, Martin plans to return to the university this fall to complete a master’s degree through the School of Education’s combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Education (4+1) program.
Martin represented Salem State as a member on the MAPHERD Council of Future Professionals (CoFP) through which she helped students prepare for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELS) and lead events at the association’s 89 Annual State Convention this past fall.
On top of her volunteer work with MAPHERD, earlier this year Martin went to the State House with Salem State and other universities to discuss increasing physical education time in schools statewide with state representatives.
“It is important to children to have more physical education time because most of the time children only move when they come to school,” said Martin.
Physical Education Professor Ann Marie Gallo, EdD said Martin scheduled her treatments and doctor’s appointments around her course and work schedules.
“Despite all she has to manage in her life she is the first individual to volunteer for a task,” said Gallo. “She is balancing life, school, work, and despite the limited time she has, she fills the time with service.”
Professor John Passarini, EdD, who taught Ivy in his “Disabling Conditions” physical education course, said working with students like Martin is a major reason why he continues to teach.
“Ivy is compassionate with a clear understanding that ‘Nobody is disabled; we are all differently abled,” said Passarini. “She represents hope and confidence that children of all abilities will continue to benefit from physical education.”
Through Salem State’s 4+1 program, Martin was given multiple opportunities to observe and teach at Danvers Middle School, Beverly High School, and the Horace Mann Laboratory School in Salem.
“My goal is to become a physical education teacher,” said Martin. “I am hoping to start in elementary school, however, I really enjoyed working in the high school level as well.”