We are pleased to announce the awarding of scholarships to several of our employees and interns. These individuals are currently serving at Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.

Joseph Barlow, an employee in our Recreation Department who is currently attending Grambling State University to obtain classification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, was awarded the Dr. Wayne Robicheaux Scholarship. This scholarship, named in memory of a Louisiana Recreation and Parks Association (LRPA) Executive Director who served 50 years, is awarded once a year at the LRPA annual conference to an individual who is pursuing a career in Recreation or a related field. Prior to attending GSU, Barlow earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology at Louisiana Tech University.

Jenality Thurman and Joseph Beard were each awarded one of five Chesapeake Energy Scholarships. This scholarship is awarded based on the same criteria as the Dr. Wayne Robicheaux Scholarship. Thurman worked in our summer recreation program, and is now employed as a part-time childcare worker. Thurman is attending GSU in pursuit of an Internship in Recreation Therapy.

Joseph Beard is an employee of our Outdoor Wilderness Learning Center (OWL). He also volunteers with the Ruston Fire Department and attends Louisiana Delta Community College where he is working to become an Emergency Medical Technician. Beard is also pursuing a degree in Health and P.E. at Louisiana Tech University.