RECREATION & PARK ASSOCIATIONWRPA Scholarships & Awards
HALL OF FAME & WRPA SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATION FORM | AWARDS NOMINATION FORM | SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM |
Hall of Fame
The most grand of all recognitions is the induction into the Wyoming Recreation & Park Association Hall of Fame. Each year it is our privilege to recognize these individuals who have committed their careers and their passions to the advancement of the field of park and recreation, enriched the quality of life within their communities, and have positively mentored their fellow park and recreation friends. These individuals were/are the quintessential leaders in the state with their experience, education, and engagement within park & recreation setting the example for fellow professionals. Induction into the WRPA Hall of Fame is announced and honored during the annual WRPA Awards Banquet at the WRPA Conference. To be eligible for nomination, candidates must meet at least two of the following: 50 years of age or older, served for 20+ years in parks and recreation field in the state of Wyoming, retired. A special thank you to OLC Architecture for their sponsorship of the Hall of Fame award.
2023 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
 Paul Harrison (Laramie) |  Julie "JJ" Huntley (Pinedale) |
HALL OF FAME QUALIFICATIONS
The most coveted of the WRPA awards, the Hall of Fame nominees must be nominated by a WRPA member and satisfy at least two of the following criteria: being 50 years old, having 20 years of Parks and Recreation service in Wyoming, or being retired. The application form should include:
- Personal information
- WRPA contributions
- Education and employment history
- Professional organizations, activities, and honors
- Achievements in the parks and recreation field
- Nominator's signature and date
Awards
WRPA is proud to annually recognize outstanding park and recreation professionals from around the state for the exceptional work they provide to their local communities. These recipients are nominated for these awards by their professional peers based on the qualifying criteria relative to each award. An awards selection committee reviews nominations received and makes the final award decision. Each year, these professional awards are presented during the WRPA Awards Banquet at the WRPA Conference. |
2023 AWARD RECIPIENTS
Award Recipient History (link coming soon) |
FELLOW AWARD
The most prestigious of the WRPA awards, the fellow award recognizes a professional who has worked in the field for at least 8 years and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the field of Parks & Recreation. Evidence of leadership includes at least one of the following qualifications:
- Elected officer in WRPA
- Elected officer in one of the branches of NRPA or other state and national organizations affiliated with NRPA
- Service as a board member for an agency or organization involved in the field
- Service on a citizen's committee to improve the quality and/or quantity of recreational services
OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL
This award recognizes an WRPA member who has at least 3-years of full-time work experience in the field and has made an outstanding contribution in the profession. These contributions must have been in the form of 2 or more of the following:
- Displayed an interest in furthering their professional background by attending and/or participating in workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- Displayed a desire to further professional growth through continued education and/or obtaining further certifications.
- Displayed a desire to further their professional growth through active involvement in field related work and/or committees and sections.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
The recipient of this award will have at least 2 years of full-time experience in the filed, but no more than 8- years and be 35 years old or younger. The admirable qualities and skills of this person will demonstrate the potential to attain a position of leadership in the field through 2 or more of the following:
- Participation in professional organizations
- Contributes to advancing the field through creativity in designing or managing programs
- Displays interest in furthering professional growth through contributed education and/or obtaining further certifications
CITATION - INDIVIDUAL
This award recognizes an individual not employed in the field of parks and recreation, who has made an outstanding contribution to parks, recreation, or conservation at the local, state, regional, or national level in one or more the following ways:
- Preparation, sponsorship, or active support of legislation favorable to the advancement of the field or profession.
- Active support and promotion of the field or profession through acquisition, development, and/or maintenance of areas, or the organization of activities and services
- Development of new or innovative facilities or services
- Training or education of professional park, recreation, and conservation personnel
CITATION - ORGANIZATION
This award recognizes an organization not employed in the field of parks and recreation, who has made an outstanding contribution to parks, recreation, or conservation at the local, state, regional, or national level in one or more the following ways:
- Preparation, sponsorship, or active support of legislation favorable to the advancement of the field or profession.
- Active support and promotion of the field or profession through acquisition, development, and/or maintenance of areas, or the organization of activities and services
- Development of new or innovative facilities or services
- Training or education of professional park, recreation, and conservation personnel
Scholarships
With the help of business partnerships like the Great Western Playgrounds and Star Playground, WRPA has been able to provide scholarships to assist professionals with continuing education in the field of Recreation and Parks. The Scott Sessions and Paul Petzoldt Memorial Scholarships are funded by the WRPA through the silent auction held each year at the State Conference.
2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Scholarship Recipient History (link coming soon) |
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GREAT WESTERN RECREATION Amount: $500 Sponsored by Great Wester Recreation, this scholarship provides support for continued training in the area of parks and/or recreation for a WRPA member. | PAUL PETZOLDT MEMORIAL Amount: $500 Established in 1999, this scholarship benefits a WRPA member pursuing further training in parks and recreation with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. | SCOTT SESSIONS MEMORIAL Amount: $500 Established in 1994, this scholarship assists a WRPA member in their pursuit to further their training and education in parks and/or recreation. |
STAR PLAYROUND Amount: $500 Sponsored by Star Playgrounds, this scholarship benefits a WRPA member in their continuing education efforts. Application must include a resume, a description about how the scholarship funds will be utilized and a statement about "why you think this training is important and what benefit it will provide." | WRPA CONFERENCE Amount: 1 x WRPA conference registration & annual WRPA membership Awarded to a full or part-time (20 hrs/week) employed WRPA member to attend the annual WRPA Conference. To apply, application should include a letter of support from the employee's agency, a resume, and statement of why you'd like to attend conference and the benefit it will provide. | WRPA INCENTIVE Amount: $750 The WRPA Incentive program awards points based on an individuals' participation in WRPA affiliated opportunities, years of service, and overall engagement. Members receive drawing entries based on their total points earned. This scholarship is drawn for at the annual WRPA conference. |
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CONTACT PO Box 6308 Sheridan, WY 82901 (307)245-3301 |