U of A Student Wins Scholarship From Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association

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Ellen Starnes receives a certificate in recognition of her scholarship presented by Rick Stoker, president of the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.

Ellen Starnes, a University of Arkansas junior, received a scholarship from the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association last week at the association's annual meeting. The meeting was held this year in Rogers.

Starnes is majoring in recreation and sport management in the College of Education and Health Professions and would like to work as a recreational program manager after graduation. She has been working a seasonal position as a recreational program assistant with the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation department.

From September 2016 to the past September, Starnes worked as the site supervisor for adult and youth programs such as adult softball, adult kickball, youth soccer, and youth ultimate Frisbee. She also worked with the recreation program manager at the department's race series events.

"My favorite part is the Be Active summer camps for kids," she said. "We have outdoor adventure camps, tennis and soccer."

Starnes became interested in recreation and sports in high school, was a member of the swim team and taught swimming lessons. She worked seven years as a lifeguard, four in Paris, Texas, where she's from, and three in Fayetteville after enrolling at the U of A, also continuing to work as a swim instructor. She plays on the U of A club sport women's ultimate Frisbee team and enjoys hiking trails in Northwest Arkansas.

Also at the meeting, Chuck Bell, a doctoral graduate assistant in the recreation and sport management program, was appointed student representative to the Board of Directors. Professor Merry Moiseichik made a presentation at the meeting titled "Recreation, Parks, and Sport: Immunity from Liability — What Does that Mean?" Instructor Craig Edmonston, former director of University Recreation at the U of A, gave a presentation about maintenance. Ten students from the program volunteered at least four hours each, helping to keep the conference running smoothly.