Outstanding UA Students Recognized by Professional OrganizationOutstanding UA Students Recognized by Professional Organization

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Students of the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance (HKRD) in the College of Education and Health Professions were awarded two out of three scholarships conferred by the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Kerry E. Allen and Amy S. Gray will return to the university for the spring semester with encouragement and honors from the profession they are preparing to join.

Allen, originally from Tahlequah, Okla., and a sophomore majoring in exercise science with a concentration in exercise physiology/biomechanics, won the Past President's Scholarship, an award of $200. Amy S. Gray, a junior health science major with a concentration in community health originally from Mountain Home, Ark., received the Newman McGee Scholarship, which awarded $500 for her studies.

"These are two top-notch students," said Ro DiBrezzo, interim department head of HKRD programs. "They've excelled inside and outside the classroom. I'm delighted that they've each received such a special honor."

"Graduates of the HKRD programs in the College of Education and Health Professions are leaders in their fields," said Sharon B. Hunt, interim dean of the college. "We're proud that our program attracts and mentors such excellent students. I congratulate them both."

In addition to her outstanding academic performance, Allen is secretary of the Kinesiology Club and participates in community service projects through Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity, and Gamma Beta Phi, an honor society. She is secretary of the Peer Ministry Team at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. An avid runner, she won the Hogeye Marathon in April 2000 and the Springfield Mo., Marathon in November 2000.

Gray, who has been named to the Chancellor’s List every semester, plans a future researching health among Hispanics. Among her many volunteer activities, she is chair of the University Health Center Advisory Board and was co-chair of the 2000 Spring Leadership Conference for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. She is vice president of community service for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and is a member of the Association of Health Science Majors and Phi Sigma Pi honor fraternity. She credits her grandfather with inspiring her to enter the health field.

The Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance bestows three scholarships every year for those Arkansas students who distinguish themselves academically, personally and professionally. A committee of representatives working in the field from across the state chooses recipients.