2024 Successful Recipients
Kendra Melanson Roy Ellis Bursary University of Saskatchewan - Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
This award is another confirmation that I am going in the right direction: working hard to use kinesiology as a way of helping people live their best lives. As a mother of 5, this journey back to school has not been easy financially and the $1000 award is very appreciated. I am passionate about movement being used to help people and especially youth move as a wholistic and preventative wellness lifestyle. I love how movement can be a springboard to health partnered with medicine or other therapies.
Going back to School as a mature student comes with many challenges. Some advice I would give others following this same path is to not be afraid to dive all in. Find people who want to support you in your journey and lean on them when you need support. As a B-Girl (girl who breakdances), I like to find breaks in my study time to listen to music and find a place to dance on campus. Moving your body while studying and finding movement breaks in-between has helped my mind stay focused.
As an aspiring Kinesiologist Pediatrician, children are my biggest inspiration. I am motivated when I volunteer at Jim Pattison hospital and see a child’s determination to get better and the sweetness of many children’s attitudes in the way they like to make everything a game. My professors motivate me to excellence and my family is very supportive. I intend to use the funds towards upcoming tuition in my 4th year College of Kinesiology at University of Saskatchewan.
Thank you very much for choosing me as an award recipient!
Joshua Essel SARP Development Scholarship Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Recreation and Tourism Management Program
Joshua Essel brings exceptional leadership experience to Saskatchewan’s recreation sector. With a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of Ghana and experience representing over 300,000 university students nationally, he understands how to mobilize communities and create meaningful change.
Now pursuing his Recreation and Tourism Management diploma at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Joshua works as a support worker at the Transition House and volunteers with Cosmopolitan Industries, creating programs for individuals with disabilities. Through The People’s Bridge Advocacy, he organizes cultural events that foster cross-cultural understanding and break down barriers.
Joshua’s instructor, Stephanie Cross, notes his natural ability to create collaborative atmospheres. What makes his approach distinctive is his belief that recreation is a fundamental right, not a privilege—a perspective he’s applying to ensure Saskatchewan’s recreation sector reflects the diversity and needs of all its communities.
Madeline Bray SARP Board of Directors Scholarship University of Regina - Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Studies, majoring in Therapeutic Recreation
Madeline’s journey into Therapeutic Recreation was inspired by watching her grandpa thrive in recreation programs during his time in long-term care—especially seeing “the spark return to his eyes” when he participated in meaningful activities. Now pursuing her dream of becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), she’s passionate about creating adaptive programs for adults and older adults with diverse needs. What makes Madeline special? She brings her love of yoga into her practice, hoping to become certified in adaptive/therapeutic yoga to help people reconnect with their bodies and find peace, regardless of ability level.
Her advice to fellow students: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and step outside your comfort zone—these moments are where the most learning happens.
Madeline perfectly embodies SARP’s mission of promoting inclusive recreation opportunities that enhance well-being and belonging for everyone. Her dedication to helping individuals live more meaningful lives through recreation represents the future of our profession.
Congratulations, Madeline!
Haley Popadynec Anne Robins Scholarship Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Therapeutic Recreation Program
The Anne Robins Scholarship celebrates Indigenous students in Therapeutic Recreation who demonstrate academic excellence, community involvement, and professional engagement. Named after Anne Robins, a strong Métis woman and passionate advocate for the recreation profession, this scholarship recognizes students who share her commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
Haley exemplifies everything this scholarship represents. Currently working at a family-centered mental health and addictions treatment centre while completing her degree, she’s already making a meaningful impact in the field she’s passionate about. Her dedication to seeing clients’ quality of life improve through recreation therapy, combined with her ability to adapt and overcome challenges like budget constraints and programming changes, demonstrates the resilience and commitment Anne Robins has championed.
What makes Haley’s story particularly inspiring is that she’s found her dream job even before finishing her degree—proof that when passion meets purpose, extraordinary things happen. Her advice to connect with other TR professionals and get involved reflects the same collaborative spirit that drives the profession forward.
From her instructors at Saskatchewan Polytechnic to her relaxing bird feeding trips at Pike Lake, Haley shows how personal fulfillment and professional excellence can go hand in hand.