WRPA Scholarship History

WY RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATION

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Scholarship History

WRPA Scholarship History

Introduction

Investing in Excellence: Three Decades of Professional Development

The Wyoming Recreation and Parks Association scholarship program represents one of the organization's most meaningful contributions to the field. These scholarships honor the legacy of influential leaders while providing opportunities for current and future recreation professionals to advance their education, attend conferences, and pursue professional development.

Each scholarship category reflects WRPA's values and history - from honoring founding members to supporting specialized areas of recreation. The recipients listed here demonstrate the breadth and dedication of Wyoming's recreation professionals, many of whom have gone on to become leaders within WRPA and the broader recreation community.

SCOTT SESSIONS MEMORIAL

2025 - Chrissy Batt
2024 - Chrissy Batt
2023 - Sonja Fornstrom
2022 - Seth Ulvestad
2021 - Kelly Serfas Bower
2019 - Brad Hatch
2018 - Chase Judd
2017 - Taylor Bassett
2016 - Jen Haines
2015 - Sara Felix
2014 - Marilee Jackson
2013 - Kari Kivisto
2012 - Jennifer Phillips
2011 — Jim Wollenburg
2010 — Jay Sanford
2009 — Richard Bridger
2008 — Jill Russell
2007 — Richard Bridger
2006 — Jill Harkness
2005 — Jill Russell
2004 — Richard Bridger
2003 — Jill Russell
2002 — Brenda Roosa
2001 — Melanie Barnett / Carol McCoy
2000 — Terrence Luttrell
1999 — Cyndi Schamburg
1998 — Lori Spearman
1997 — Paul Harrison / Richard Wright / Monte Thayer / Deanne Carrigan / Cyndi Schamburg
1996 — Dan Mika / Pam Dillinger
1995 — Kelly Humphreys
1994 — Richard Bridger / Dan Mika / Ron Smith

GREAT WESTERN RECREATION

2025 - Harley Tekerman
2024 - Deanna Fildey
2023 - Chrissy Batt
2022 - Katie Blood
2021 - Jason Burton
2019 - Janet Boulette
2018 - Scott Redman
2017 - Marilee Jackson
2016 - Jenni Phillips
2015 - Marilee Jackson
2014 - Sara Felix
2013 - Richard Bridger
2012 - Jennifer Haines
2011 — Richard Bridger
2010 — Kevin Sadler
2009 — Donnie Bjorhus
2008 — Colby Stenerson
2007 — Walt Bratton
2006 — Dale Boedeker
2005 — Richard Bridger
2004 — Kimberly Morrison
2003 — Amy Donegan
2002 — Don Nykodym
2001 — Richard Bridger
2000 — Don Reynolds
1999 — Darin Budak
1998 — Richard Bridger
1997 — Terrence Luttrell
1996 — Richard Bridger
1995 — Kerry Struckman
1993 — Don Nykodym
1992 — Larry Larson
1991 — Dan Mika
1987 — Tom Norris
1985 — Rob Schoeber
1984 — Janet Head
1983 — Teri Royer
1981 — Kathy Condos
1980 — Jerry Westling
1979 — Don Bessler / Ruth Sims
1978 — Cathy Purvis

PAUL PETZOLDT MEMORIAL

2025 - John Anderstrom
2024 - Brittany Williams
2023 - Brittany Williams
2022 - Katie Duncombe
2021 - Marilee Jackson
2019 - Seth Ulvastad
2018 - Caroline Goick
2017 - Jason Burton
2015 - Mike Estes
2014 - John Dunne
2013 - Jared Lustig
2012 - Kelly Bower
2011 - Marilee Jackson
2008 - Shannon Youmans
2007 - Delos Searle
2006 - Don Reynolds
2005 - Don Nykodym
2004 - Don Nykodym
2003 - Brandon Forbush
2002 - Mike Estes
2001 - Terrie Fair
2000 - Susan Ward
1999 - Todd Feezer / Susan Ward

STAR PLAYGROUNDS

2025 - Katie Duncombe
2024 - Curtis Hofrock
2023 - Deanna Fildey
2021 - Sonja Fornstrom
2019 - Marilee Jackson
2018 - Richard Bridger
2017 - Kym Quinn
2016 - Kim Castener
2015 - John Dunne
2014 - Brad Raney
2013 - Brenda Roosa
2012 - Dale Boedeker
2011 — Tracy Pape
2010 — Angie Johnson
2009 — Walt Bratton
2008 — Walt Bratton
2007 — Kari Kavisto
2006 — Delos Searle
2005 — Richard Bridger

CONFERENCE

2025 - Louis Hicks
2024 - Wendy Club
2023 - Brandy Stoeger
2019 - Heather Eggli
2017 - Jill Adams
2013 - Darrin Davis

WYOMING INCENTIVE PROGRAM

2023 - Heather Eggli
2022 - Sherry Schumacher
2019 - Sonja Fornstrom
2018 - Marilee Jackson
2017 - Katie Duncombe

Closing

A Testament to Professional Growth and Community Investment

The WRPA scholarship program has supported hundreds of recreation professionals over nearly five decades, demonstrating the organization's commitment to advancing the field through education and professional development. These scholarships have enabled recipients to pursue advanced degrees, attend conferences, obtain certifications, and expand their knowledge in specialized areas of recreation and parks.

The diversity of scholarship categories reflects the evolving needs of the profession, from general professional development to specialized areas like outdoor recreation (Paul Petzoldt Memorial) and playground safety (Star Playgrounds). The recurring names among recipients often represent individuals who used these opportunities to advance their careers and subsequently contribute back to WRPA as leaders and mentors.

This investment in human capital has strengthened Wyoming's recreation and parks services while building a network of knowledgeable professionals committed to excellence. As WRPA continues to award scholarships, this legacy of investment in people ensures the continued growth and professionalism of recreation services throughout Wyoming.

Historical records compiled from WRPA scholarship archives
Last updated: September 6, 2025

CONTACT

PO Box 6308

Sheridan, WY 82901

(307)245-3301

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