Crista Bain Named Isaac Frank Ormond Scholarship Winner

By Kasey Harris

The Department of Health and Exercise Studies is excited to announce Crista Bain has been named the latest recipient of the Isaac Frank Ormond, III Memorial Scholarship Fund. Recently the junior, who is majoring in sports management and minoring in coaching education, sat down to discuss her love of physical education, service and the Wolfpack community. 

The Isaac Frank Ormond, III Memorial Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a strong, consistent commitment to the health and exercise field through participation in extracurricular activities, internships, certifications and additional educational opportunities. Recipients demonstrate characteristics such as good character, strong academic standing and express an understanding of the field and an intention to apply the skills and knowledge from their health and exercise studies minor in their professional life. 

The Virginia native has been active in community service during her time at NC State. Through a faculty member in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management department, Bain connected with the physical education department at Dillard Drive Elementary, where she volunteers with children to encourage and share healthy and active habits. She also completed her coaching practicum at Athens Drive High School, where she worked with the school’s swim team.

When asked to recall what having Bain in his HESM 381 Athletic Training class was like, Darrin DeReu, a senior lecturer in health and exercise studies, explained “Judging by her input for class I am certain these opportunities have offered her valuable experience and leadership skills. She often gave insights on her own experiences and contrasted that to what we were talking about in class.”

Bain’s ability to connect her practical experiences with her in-class learning really stood out to DeReu as it showed how impactful her hands-on learning experiences had been and the leadership skills Bain had been able to develop as a result of her participation. DeReu further expressed appreciation for Bain’s openness by elaborating on her impact inside the classroom. “She was not afraid to ask questions when she didn’t understand a particular concept or just out of pure curiosity to find out more information. As an educator, having a student willing to ask questions helps me to reflect on my presentation of material to make it more understandable. It benefits other students in the class since others likely have the same questions.”

Between classes and services activities, Bain stays active in the campus community by participating in the marching band and as a member of the Turfgrass Management Club. She continuously seeks ways to be involved in the Wolfpack community as well. When asked what advice she had for future Wolfpack students, she explained, “I would encourage them to get out and go to a game or find a club, to just get involved.”

Bain also encourages students to seek out faculty members and work to develop connections. “I’ve gotten a lot of opportunities from just talking with faculty and expressing interest in something.”

DeReu echoed Bain’s call for engagement, stating “I firmly believe students like Crista, who are willing to seize opportunities to maximize their potential both inside and outside the classroom, are ahead of the game.  We spend years learning in the classroom with very little practical experience. Practical experience helps young people understand why they are learning the things they are learning and in turn, motivates them to do and achieve more.”

The Isaac Frank Ormond, III Memorial Scholarship Fund recognizes one outstanding HES student a year. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in a HES minor. For more information on the award or how to apply, please visit the Pack Assist website.