The American Therapeutic Recreation Association’s Office of Continuing Education is pleased to announce that Mandi DeWitt, a student at the University of Northern Colorado is one of the 2003 Peg Connolly Scholarship recipients. Named in honor of Dr. Peg Connolly, former Executive Director of the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, this program provides a tremendous experience for students. This scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who will be enrolled in a therapeutic recreation program during the conference year.

Eight stipends were awarded to deserving college and university students throughout the country. The stipends allow the award recipients to attend ATRA’s Annual Conference, including conference registration, lodging accommodations and meal stipend. The 2003 Annual Conference will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. This scholarship is a “working scholarship” and winners are expected to assist in various aspects of implementing the conference.

DeWitt, a Junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation describes the impact of winning this scholarship, “I believe this scholarship will give me the amazing opportunity to extract specific information, techniques, and skills from professionals in the field that will help build my professional competence and abilities. This scholarship will increase my personal confidence in myself and empower me to pursue nothing but the best for my life and the lives of those I serve.”

ATRA believes the future of our field depends on the continuing growth of students. Today, many former scholarship recipients prove this belief by serving vital roles within the therapeutic recreation profession. ATRA is pleased to have provided this opportunity to reward students who demonstrate exceptional competence in the field of therapeutic recreation on the basis of their academic achievement, personal and professional philosophy, leadership skills and other occupational achievements.