POFST Presents 2005-2006 Team Awards!

On July 30 -- a perfect day for a pool party -- Team President Debbie Risher hosted the Team's 2005-2006 Awards Banquet/Picnic. Skaters, family and friends gathered to celebrate the skaters' achievements during the past skating season. Those who attended immensely enjoyed the pool and were treated to a delicious potluck barbeque.

After enjoying the great dishes brought by all and the expert grilling by Don Risher, the presentations began. Certificates acknowledging each skater's achievements and participation were announced and handed out by three very competent Team representatives -- Lauren Risher, Jennifer Christie and Audrey Simmons.

Debbie Risher then thanked the entire Board, volunteers, and our hard-working Head Coach with very generous gifts. Steve Barrett and Chris Jenkins, who have put immense efforts into the Team since its inception, were duly recognized with enduring (and beautiful!) mementos. Afterward, Head Coach Linda Monney awarded the "Big 6" trophies.

Carli Jenkins and Emma Wiedmaier share the Piney Orchard Figure Skating Team’s highest award. Carli and Emma earned the team’s Skating Achievement Award, awarded annually by POFST for skating excellence in United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) testing and competition.

For Carli, a 2006 Arundel High School graduate, the award marks the third time she has captured the team’s top honor. She earned her USFSA Senior Moves medal last year and added a gold medal for successfully completing her USFSA Gold Level Dances earlier this season. Carli shared the award with Lindsay Wenger of Crofton in 2005 and in 2000, she shared the team’s top honor with Edgewater’s Kira Woods. During her time at POFST, she has also won the team’s Perseverance Award (2003) and shared the Esprit de Corps award with her mother, Chris, in 1998. Carli is slated to attend Miami University of Ohio this fall. For Emma, the announcement marks the second time that the 2006 South River graduate has earned the team’s highest honor. Slated to attend Boston University this fall, Emma was honored for successfully completing requirements for Senior Moves and Senior Freestyle Program. She earned the Skating Achievement Award outright in 2004 and has also won the team’s Superior Improvement Award (2001). In other presentations, Jennifer Christie earned her first POFST trophy, capturing the 2006 edition of Superior Improvement Award.

Alexandra Milito captured the team’s Diligence Award, . . .

and Lauren Risher earned the Esprit de Corps award.

Two POFST award winners, unfortunately, were not available to receive their trophies. Megan Stilling, getting ready to start her senior year at South River High School, earned the Outstanding Perseverance Award. Kelly Jeon – a sophomore at Arundel High School – captured the Admirable Sportsmanship Award. Linda Monney, Director of Figure Skating Programs at Piney Orchard Ice Arena and the POFST Head Coach, also presented axel pins to skaters who successfully completed the hardest of the seven preliminary jump moves in figure skating. Pins went to Jennifer Christie, Alexandra Milito and Jamie Shavatt. A fourth pin will also go to Melissa Stanley. Team President Debbie Risher also presented special certificates and gifts to four of the seven graduating high school seniors on POFST. Certificates were presented to Carli Jenkins, Emma Wiedmaier, Megan Barrett (Arundel High School -- Randolph Macon Woman’s College), and Alexandra Barrett (Arundel High School -- Randolph Macon Woman’s College). Certificates will also go to Zainab Abdul-Rahim (Key School – University of Maryland), Gina Blades (Olde Mill Christian Academy – Notre Dame of Maryland) and Gregory Triantafillides (South River High School – Anne Arundel Community College).

The celebration wrapped up with more fun in the pool and delicious cake. Acknowledging the hard work and accomplishments of POFST skaters is a great way to spend a summer day!