FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2012

Contact: Megan McNamara

(630) 993-8925

mmcnamara@epd.org

Now Presenting the 2012 Joanne B. Wagner Scholarship Recipients

ELMHURST, Ill. - The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation is proud to announce the 2012 recipients of the Joanne B. Wagner Scholarship, Ryan Dollins and Kelly Schroeder. Established in 1989 in honor of the late Board of Commissioners member, the Wagner Scholarship Program offers a financial award to college students pursuing a degree in parks and recreation.

Ryan Dollins, a senior at the University of St. Francis majoring in Recreation Administration, is also an Elmhurst Park District employee.  Currently Dollins works as an Inclusion Aid for recreation programs, working with children and their parents to create a fun, safe, recreational environment for all.  One of Dollins' career goals is to work with the U.S. Military on its Wounded Warrior program, and to help people with special needs be able to experience opportunities for lifetime enjoyment.  Dollins displays a true passion for working with people with special needs in the field of parks and recreation, and has become a leader within the district.

Second-time Wagner Scholarship recipient Kelly Schroeder has dedicated her academic career to the study of Recreation Management.  A senior at Illinois State University, Schroeder is determined to establish herself as a park district aquatic supervisor.  Schroeder has extensive lifeguarding experience and a passion for creating innovative recreation programming.  As an employee, volunteer, and advocate of recreational programs, Schroeder has demonstrated her lasting commitment to the field of parks and recreation.

Congratulations to this year's winners.  On behalf of the Elmhurst Park District and the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation, we wish you the best in all future endeavors.

The Elmhurst Park District is committed to promoting "lifetime enjoyment" by providing a variety of parks, recreation facilities, and affordable programs in the Elmhurst community.  For more information on the Elmhurst Park District call (630) 993-8900 or visit www.epd.org.