MRPA has two scholarships; The Bill Bonnyman Training Scholarship & The Russell Packett Memorial Youth Sports Scholarship
The Russell Packett
Memorial Youth Sports Scholarship
Russell Packett was a long-time parks and recreation professional from 1993 until he passed away in 2017 after a brief illness. Russell spent his career working in the communities of Yarmouth, Freeport, and Cape Elizabeth. He was the creator and director of the 130-team travel basketball league for kids in grades 5-8 in Southern Maine. He also served for many years on the Board of Directors for MRPA as its treasurer. He was passionate about youth sports and promoting training for professionals in the field. Russell Packett scholarship funds are available to support MRPA member training, education, and other youth sport opportunities that support the mission of MRPA.
Bill Bonnyman Training Scholarship
Bill Bonnyman was an accomplished coach in the Hingham, Massachusetts Youth Baseball system, a retired sales representative with Pioneer, a proud father of four and a longtime supporter of the Maine Recreation and Park Association who passed away after a long battle with a rare form of lung disease. His positive attitude and dedication made him a role model throughout his community and beyond and continues to evoke a sense of pride in all those who knew him. This scholarship will be awarded to a current MRPA member to further develop their training or education in the parks and recreation profession.
For each fiscal year, MRPA will award scholarships valued up to $500 each.
- Applicant must be a member in good standing of the Maine Recreation and Parks Association.
- Applicant must justify using this award towards furthering their training and/or education and indicate exactly how they would use the scholarship money. Acceptable expenses include registration fees, lodging, and transportation.
- Applicant must submit the application and one letter of recommendation verifying the applicant’s commitment and dedication to the park and recreation profession, leadership skills, including a detailed reason why this applicant is deserving of the scholarship. This letter, addressed to the scholarship committee, should include the length and nature of the writer’s association with the applicant, and the writer’s address, phone number, and email address.
- Applicant must share what they learned by writing an article for the MRPA newsletter/website and may be asked to share their experience with additional MRPA events or committees.
- Priority is given to communities who have not been awarded funds in the prior two fiscal years.
- PAYMENT INFORMATION: Once the professional development opportunity is completed, the recipient will be required to provide receipts as proof of purchase directly related to the application. Applicants who use scholarship money for certifications must show proof of passing certification for reimbursement. Within 30 days MRPA will make reimbursement.
- For more information contact Gary Colello, Scholarship Chair.
Application windows:
Deadline #1: February 1 through March 15 for professional development opportunities offered after the following July 1. Award notifications will be made by early April.
Deadline #2: August 1 through September 15 for professional development opportunities offered after the following January 1. Award notifications will be made by early October.