Sixty undergraduate students in Northeastern Illinois University’s Department of Health Sciences and Physical Education attended the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) state conference—almost double last year’s number—and took home some prestigious awards.
Miriam Varela and Carolyn Crost both earned $1,500 scholarships. Moises Calambas, Trace Chase, Carolyn Crost, Michael Ortega and Allan Ramirez were awarded a $200 prize for their student research presentation, “The Effects of Technology on College Students’ Physical Activity Levels.” Kimberly Maljak, an assistant professor in Northeastern’s Department of Health Sciences and Physical Education, served as the faculty mentor for the research presentation.
“Each year our students become increasingly more involved,” said Maljak, who helped students prepare for the conference. “They continue to grow as future professionals and impress us with their hard work and dedication.”
Ramirez, who was voted IAHPERD’s president-elect last year and was promoted to president in November, will be succeeded by Crost, who was voted president-elect.
Several Illinois universities at the conference also competed in Super Stars, which is a competition comprised of several quick, fun games. Northeastern’s team of Tom Brenner, Alan Isaakian, Bobby Pennington, Michael Simon, Kyle Stern and Miriam Varelawon earned first place, an honor Northeastern has not earned in that contest in more than 10 years. The team received a plaque, and each winner received a medallion.
The IAHPERD conference is open to all physical education, health and dance professionals and students and is helpful for professional development and networking. This year’s convention took place from Nov. 21-22 at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill.
Top photo: Moises Clambas (left), Allen Ramirez, Carolyn Crost, Trace Chase and Michael Ortega pose with their student research presentation, “The Effects of Technology on College Students’ Physical Activity Levels” at IAHPERD.
