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 Name: Karen Hurlbut
Position: Site Coordinator, Prairie Trace Elementary School
Education: Degree in Exercise Science, IUPUI
Experience: Worked for 7 years at the National Institute
for Fitness and Sport, working with youth development, camps and teaching;
camp counselor at Indiana University's summer Camp Brosius; volunteer
counselor for Athletes in Action in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up on a 250-acre farm in Scottsburg, IN - horse manure and
all!
Q: What elementary school did you attend?
A: Vienna-Finely Elementary School, Scottsburg, IN, Indian Chief
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from elementary
school?
A: After the year-end of kindergarten my elementary school was torn
down and a new upgraded facility was built. Before the final demo
stage occurred we were able to take one final walk through the school.
As I walked through the old halls with my father he pointed out where
he sat and the chalk boards that he had written on back in 1929. We
have a piece of that slate chalk board hanging up in my home and to
this day as I walk by I hear the faint laughter and foot steps of
my father and his friends as they walked the halls of Vienna-Finley
Elementary school some 80 years ago.
Q: What was your favorite subject in elementary school and
why?
A: Art. Through art one is able to present their inside thoughts to
an outside world. Uniqueness is celebrated.
Q: Why did you decide to study education in college or enter
this field?
A: I love to inspire others to continually explore and learn about
their unique qualities.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I enjoy most about my job the opportunity to learn. Kids have a
wonderful unjaded view of the world and inspire me to enjoy the
small things in life - the important things in life.
Q: What unique skills/talents do you apply to your job?
A: I offered a never-ending supply of encouragement and enthusiasm.
Q: How do you handle a “bad” day?
A: Stop, breath, and ask myself - "Does this bad day have the
ability to take away my family, friends, house, food? If not, it's
not such a bad day after all!”
Q: What do you hope your ESE participants take away from
the program?
A: Positive life skills and the desire to never stop exploring.
Q: Why/how do you think Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation
is making a positive impact in the elementary schools?
A: Through offering activities that step out of the normal parameters
of a before and after school program, the students involved in ESE
are encouraged to explore new and exciting things.
Q: Favorite quote/saying:
A: “Your attitude
determines your altitude.”
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