Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Recognizes Outstanding UA Students, Educators

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Students and graduates of the department of health science, kinesiology, recreation and dance (HKRD) in the College of Education and Health Professions were repeatedly cited for excellence at the Arkansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AHPERD) awards ceremony and annual conference in Little Rock.

Keri York, originally from Heber Springs, Ark., and a junior majoring in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science fitness, won the Past President's Scholarship, an award worth $200. Casandra Nunez, a senior health science major with a concentration in community health originally from La Paz, Bolivia, received the Newman McGee Scholarship, which awarded $500 for her studies. Neither Nunez nor York are strangers to recognition; earlier this fall, they were both elected by their peers to the 1999 University of Arkansas Homecoming Court.

"These are two top notch students," said Sharon Hunt, department head of HKRD programs. "They've excelled inside and outside the classroom and have continually proven themselves worthy of special recognition for their superior academic and personal abilities. I'm delighted that they've each received such a special honor."

In addition to the students, several UA graduates and educators in the area were also recognized at the conference. Liz Harter, who received her M.Ed. in physical education from the U of A in 1993, received the "Outstanding Elementary Physical Educator of the Year" award. Harter is a physical education teacher at Lowell Elementary School in Rogers. UA student Blair Dean, a Ph.D. candidate in kinesiology, received the "Outstanding Dance Educator of the Year" award while Henderson State's Woody Jolly, a HPER graduate who received his Ed.D. in 1980, received the "Higher Educator of the Year" award.

"Graduates of the HKRD programs in the College of Education and Health Professions are leaders in their fields," said Charles Stegman, dean of the College. "Time and time again, they've been recognized by organizations across the state. We're proud that our program attracts and mentors such excellent students who go on to lead dynamic professional careers. I congratulate them all."

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, and are chosen by a committee of representatives working in the field from across the state.

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