Madison's JoJo Starbuck Shares Love of Skating with Newark Students

It was early in the morning but the West Orange Richard J. Codey Ice Skating Arena was filled with young boys and girls from World Impact's Newark Christian School, squealing with delight as they made their way round and round the rink. 

They were getting a free ice skating lesson from two-time Olympian JoJo Starbuck.

For many, it was their first time on ice skates. Some clung to the side wall. Others cast caution aside, propelling themselves to the center of the rink. All spent the morning with ear-to-ear smiles on their faces. And, thanks to Starbuck, they left with stories of an Olympic-sized ice skating lesson they'll never forget. 

Ice skating has given Madison's JoJo Starbuck a lifetime of joy. As part of a pairs figure skating team with Ken Shelley, she won national and world titles. As a professional skater, she traveled the country and the world. Today, she spends time on the ice as a coach, choreographer and, yes, as a volunteer. Her passion for skating and her compassion for others have inspired her to volunteer hundreds of hours teaching others the wonders of the sport. 

"Skating is so healthy," Starbuck said. "It is great for the mind, body and spirit. You get on the ice feeling vulnerable and helpless. Then you find your balance, propel yourself and start to fly. You feel a sense of accomplishment that's great for the soul."

When Starbuck heard about the students at the Newark Christian School, she wanted to help. She wanted to make a difference in the lives of the children, all of whom come from low income families. So, she talked to the school about giving the kids a free lesson. 

"I can't give a big grant," she said, "but I can give what I do have and know." The school was thrilled with the idea and thought it would be perfect for third-to-fifth graders.

Newark Christian School Vice Principal Steve Larson said Starbuck's offer was "above and beyond."

On Dec. 15, Starbuck took to the ice with 30 children. She brought some help with her, skating enthusiast Elise Nelson, Olympic pairs skater Andrew Naylor and competitive ice dancer David Lipowitz. They all skated back and forth, up and down the ice, encouraging and inspiring the kids to find their balance and glide. The four adult skaters gave the kids a thrill when they demonstrated sophisticated skating moves for them.   

The young skaters' enthusiasm while at the rink was palpable.

"A lot of kids were glued to the barrier for the first 20 minutes," Starbuck said. "But then they began tearing around the rink and didn't want to get off."

Newark Christian School student Rosa Escobar said this was the first time she had skated and she wants to come back. "Now I know how to skate!" she said. 

Victoria Desir, another first-time skater, said she, too, wants to come back. Of Starbuck, Desir said, "She was kind to give us advice so we wouldn't fall."  

"I learned that you should do the best that you could do," Jennifer Ortiz said. "Sometimes I fell, but I was OK with it."

Eve Millien skated three years ago. She said Starbuck was "excellently good" and was looking forward to going home to tell her siblings that she is better than they are at skating.

Angel Bonheur said it was easier to skate if you've been roller skating. She was happy to learn the "swizzle" skating move.  Of the morning she said, "I thought it was going to be fun and adventurous. And it is!"

First-time skater Stephanie Jimenez said she liked it "when the grown-ups were skating" and was impressed with how close Elise Nelson's face came to the ice during one particular move.

Student Nathan Desrosiers was new to skating but he didn't let that stand in his way. Before long, he was gliding with ease and started to tackle some fancy moves.

"Actually, I feel good on the ice," he said. "I learned that it's fun. I want to be a skater when I grow up."

At the end of the skating session, Starbuck taught the kids how to bow. She explained that when you bow, you communicate with the audience. You are saying, she said, "This performance was for you, from my heart. Thank you very much."

Indeed, the time Starbuck spent with the students was from her heart; she hopes she made a difference in the lives of the young students. If laughter alone is any measure, she most certainly did.

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