Student, Chrissy Turk, wins Banff Mountain Film Festival Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award
Written by Hannah Cargill ’20; Editorial assistance by Nina Mastandrea
Outdoor Recreation Management student Chrissy Turk took home the Appalachian State University (ASU) Outdoor Programs Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award (A4) at the 2018 Banff Mountain Film Festival on March 24.
The award was presented on the same night as the screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival at the Schaeffer Performing Arts Center on the campus of ASU.
“The A4 recognizes distinct individuals attending school in the High Country of North Carolina who best demonstrate the outdoor lifestyle by excelling in their mountain sport, contributing to environmental awareness and being role models who take their outdoor passion to the next level,” according to the ASU Outdoor Programs website.
“As co-captain for the Lees-91探花 Climbing Team, Turk has played a large role in providing outdoor activities to Lees-91探花 students and has motivated her peers to take advantage of the outdoor opportunities available in the area,” Katie Wall, Outdoor Recreation Management professor said.
Along with being a highly involved student, Turk is a competitor in the USA Collegiate Climbing Series, a summer guide in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and has become an American Association of Snowboard Instructors Level 1 certified snowboard instructor while working at nearby Beech Mountain Ski Resort.
“Chrissy excels both in the classroom and beyond,” Wall said. “She is a role model to many and is constantly helping and motivating others to get outside.”
Mentors and professors in the Outdoor Recreation Management program Dee Thomas and Aram Attarian also supported Chrissy in her nomination and acceptance of the award.
“I’ve found that I am happiest and enjoy life most when I spend time outdoors,” Turk said. “Being introduced to rock climbing and camping were two of the most important things to happen to me, and I want to provide others with the opportunity to discover their passions as well. When I work towards this, I get to be doing the things I enjoy most, and I know I am making a positive impact on other people’s lives.”
