Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Foundation has awarded three $1000 scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year to Ohio students planning for careers in parks and recreation. 

“These young ladies represent the future of parks and recreation.  They’re working hard in the classroom and in the field to gain valuable skills and experience,” said OPRA Executive Director Woody Woodward.  ”They will use those skills and experiences for the rest of their careers to have a real impact on the lives of the people who they serve.”

Don Schmidt scholarship winner Maggie Beck is a student in Social Work and Urban Affairs at Wright State University and serves as a youth leader or the City of Kettering and an events and program coordinator for the City of West Carrollton. Originally from Kettering, Maggie says her goal is “to see the quality of life in the communities I serve improve during my time there.”

John McComb scholarship winner Ashley Farinacci is a student in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Management at Kent State University and has served as a volunteer at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  The Cuyahoga Falls native says that parks and recreation is “a great way to introduce people to nature, where they can learn crucial skills that promote healthy social development.”

Jody Stowers scholarship winner Kayla McLaughlin, of Miamisburg, is a student at Wright State University studying Organizational Leadership.  Kayla has served as a volunteer with the City of Miamisburg and the Centerville-Washington Park District and has held a number of positions in parks and recreation at the City of West Carrollton and the City of Kettering. She looks forward to helping “unite community agencies in the provision of leisure services.”

The scholarship winners will be honored on February 14, 2017 at the OPRA Annual Awards of Excellence Dinner in Sandusky.

In addition to providing student and professional scholarships, the OPRA Foundation undertakes research, educates critical audiences and collaborates with allied partners to further the cause of public parks and recreation.