The Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge’s Tennis Department awarded a free tennis package to Parkview Elementary School in mid-August as a result of the school having the most students of any school attending a summer QuickStart Carnival.  It was held at the BREC Forest Park Tennis Center. 

Yvette Marshall, BREC Tennis manager, said “the tennis package included 24 junior racquets, a portable tennis net and foam tennis balls, which will allow physical education teachers to utilize the QuickStart format.  This format creates smaller courts and uses equipment adapted for youth ages 5-10 to get them to begin playing tennis immediately.” 

“This has been a great partnership with BREC Tennis Department to teach the game of tennis to our young students and help provide them with an outlet that is conducive for learning and fun,” said Ken Jenkins, director of Student Activities for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  “Our School System looks forward to a continued partnership in this educational endeavor.”

At the presentation of equipment were: (front row, left to right) fifth-grade students Jessica Winkler, Ryan Elaoud and Katie Skiles and (back row, left to right) Parkview coach Andrew Barnes, Marshall, Jenkins and Parkview coach Mitch McLaughlin
This is the second public elementary school to receive a school tennis package from BREC.  Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School also received equipment for having the most students attend the Highland Park QuickStart Carnival in August 2010.