Beitle Named Fayetteville Public Schools Volunteer of Year

Fayetteville Public Schools

Karen Beitle (right) receives the Fayetteville Public Schools volunteer of the year award from Fayetteville School Board president Justin Eichman, along with the award co-winner Elizabeth Powell (left)

Karen Beitle, coordinator of the University of Arkansas iFriend Program, has been named the co-winner, along with Elizabeth Powell, of the Fayetteville Public Schools Dorothy Lundquist Volunteer of the year award. Beitle has volunteered in the Fayetteville Public Schools for 16 years.

"I am honored and humbled to receive this award," Beitle said. "As a volunteer, I hope my efforts through the years have benefited all the children in the schools that I have served."

Beitle began volunteering with the school system when her son entered kindergarten. She started by helping her son's classroom teacher. Soon she got involved in organizing and creating promotional displays for the Holcomb Elementary School book fair and assisted with the school's productions and cultural programs. Though her children completed their education at the elementary school years ago, she still creates promotional displays for the school's book fair.

When her children began attending Holt Middle School, Beitle quickly became involved in designing costumes and sets for the school's musical productions. She also designed thrones and royal apparel used for the school's Winter Carnival.

Beitle found her niche with the band, when her kids moved onto Ramey Junior High, outfitting each band member for their red and black uniform. She continued to assist with the band when her children began attending Fayetteville High School. For six years, she has outfitted the band for every home performance and out-of-state competition. Beitle has fitted more than 1,000 students for band uniforms, and she once coordinated outfitting the entire 280-member band in three days, so the seniors could march their final game in new uniforms.

"Karen Beitle represents everything [the Lundquist] award stands for," said one of her nominators. "Her persistent, positive attitude shines in any job she tackles, no matter how big the challenge."

Justin Eichman, president of the Fayetteville School Board, presented Beitle and Powell the award at a ceremony in April.