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Portrait of Michael Kaip

Honor Society® member

Michael Kaip

Wheelchair Basketball Camp Coach/Counselor at University of Wisconsin at Whitewater

  • Bismarck State College
  • History and Legal Studies
  • Class of 2017
  • Mandan, ND

Member since June 2014

About

I am, by nature, a rule follower and goal driven. Growing up with cerebral palsy reinforced and intensified these qualities. The act of going to physical therapy taught me to set, work towards, and accomplish goals. I learned at a young age that it was okay to be different, so doing what I believed was right rather than following the crowd was not difficult. When I did make mistakes growing up that compromised my integrity, I felt incredibly bad and did all I could to make it right. I learned that I would rather live a life of integrity than one of regret. All of these qualities make me a natural leader. I enjoy working with people on meaningful projects. One of my proudest accomplishments is cofounding and running an adaptive sports program called Dreams in Motion. I believe that youth with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to learn life lessons, commitment, team work, leadership, compromise, communication, and more, through the vehicle of sports and recreational activities. In addition, my family, friends, and faith play a big role in my life and are very important to me.

Education

  • University of Wisconsin at Whitewater

    History Major/ Political Science Legal Studies Minor

    2013 – 2016

Honors and awards

  • University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Student Involvement Award

    Award for involvement in student activities and commitment to service

  • Residence Life Wendy Voigt Memorial Scholarship

    Award for academic excellence, outstanding service and leadership in the residence halls

  • USA Today and National Guard Inspiration Award for High School Sports: 2013

    Award given for my involvement in developing adaptive sports for athletes with disabilities by cofounding Dreams in Motion, Inc.

  • Mandan High School Boys Hockey: The Kaip Award: 2013

    Annual award given to the hockey player exhibiting the strongest characteristics of a team player by putting the needs of the team before his own. Award was created in my name my senior year of being a student manager.

  • International 2013 "Yes I Can" Award in the category of School & Community Activities

    Presented by the Council for Exceptional Children for my involvement in promoting adaptive sports and cofounding a nonprofit adaptive sports program, Dreams in Motion, Inc.

  • Capability Chronicles Award: 2012

    Recognized outstanding achievements in the community and participation on the Capability Chronicles TV program, presented by the ARC of Bismarck, ND and the ND State Council on Developmental Disabilities

  • Mandan High School Senior Constitution Award: 2013

    Presented by the North Dakota State Bar Association

  • AXA Achievement Award for North Dakota: 2013

    Award for leadership and community service

  • President's Education Award for Excellence in High School: 2013

    Awarded to student with a high GPA and testing advanced on the state assessment

Goals and interests

Career goal

I plan on practicing law. I am interested in constitutional law, contract law, and labor law.

Graduate school interests

I intend on attending law school after earning a bachelor's degree.

Outside the classroom

I enjoy reading. Although I like fiction, I prefer non-fiction based on history and historical characters. I also enjoy playing and coaching wheelchair basketball and sled hockey.

Experience

  • Wheelchair Basketball Camp Coach/Counselor

    University of Wisconsin at Whitewater

    Jun 2014 – Jun 2015

Volunteering

  • Cornerstones for Success Disability Awareness Program Co-Presenter

    University of Wisconsin at Whitewater Wheelchair Athletics Program and Dreams in Motion, Inc

    Jan 2014 – Dec 2016

  • Juniors' Wheelchair Basketball Tournament: refereeing, coordinating teams, and running the clock

    University of Wisconsin at Whitewater Wheelchair Athletics Program

    Jan 2014

  • Nursing Home Visitation Volunteer

    NHVP through University of Wisconsin at Whitewater

    Sep 2013 – May 2014

  • Cofounder/Board Member/Coach/Event Organizer/Program Awareness Presenter for adaptive sports program

    Dreams in Motion, Inc

    Nov 2010 – Dec 2016

  • Community Service Chair Person on the Executive Board of the National Society of Leadership and Success

    National Society of Leadership and Success: UW-Whitewater Chapter

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information