Donilee Doidge
Cydney St.Denis
Scholarships & Bursaries
The Anne Robins Scholarship will be awarded to one Therapeutic Recreation Student who meets the following criteria:
- A high academic average
- Of Indigenous ancestry
- Is actively involved in their community
- Is actively involved in the profession
Anne is a strong métis woman with a passion for recreation. A true advocate for our profession, active member of our association and a firm believer in making a lasting difference in the lives of those she serves. Associate Student members must be enrolled as a full time student in post secondary studies and is eligible to win this one time only Scholarship.
The Roy Ellis Bursary is provided annually to one student in at least their second year of a leisure-related post-secondary program that includes recreation, sport, and culture. It acknowledges the contributions made by Mr. Roy Ellis to the leisure services field in Saskatchewan. Each Associate Member (must be enrolled as a full time student in post secondary studies) is eligible to win this one time only bursary.
Roy, a native of Moose Jaw, started in the field as the City’s aquatic director. After the war, where he served in the RCAF, he moved to Saskatoon. He filled several positions including assistant recreation director for the City of Saskatoon, recreation director of St. Mary’s Parish, and superintendent of recreation classes in the Saskatoon separate school system.
In 1960 Roy was hired by the Provincial government as the south-central regional recreation supervisor, headquartered in Moose Jaw. During the next six years he worked to establish recreation boards and regional associations in the rural communities in the area. For most municipalities in Saskatchewan this was their first attempt to build municipal and regional recreation organizations. He was a pioneer in this development. In 1966, he was appointed the director of regional field services in the newly organized Youth Agency, a position he held until his retirement. He was considered by most to be “The Father of Regional Associations” and many referred to him as “Mr. Recreation” for his fiery speeches on the importance of recreation especially for youth in building their leadership capacities.
For his own recreation, he was an avid swimmer, fisherman, and wilderness canoeist. Some of his favorite moments were with his two sons, Paul and Mark, on the canoe trips. He also enjoyed sitting around the campfire sharing stories of people he worked with in the Province.
The TJ Biemans Bursary is a bursary provided annually to one student in a leisure-related post-secondary program that includes recreation, sport, and culture. Each Associate Member (must be enrolled as a full time student in post-secondary studies) is eligible to win one time only bursary.
TJ, originally from Watson, attended SIAST in the Recreation and Leisure Management Diploma Program, then continue his education at the University of Regina to attain his Kinesiology and Health Studies Degree. He started working in the field as a small town Recreation Director in Spiritwood and has since held various positions within the province in health, non-profit organizations and recreation. TJ has filled vacancies in the S.A.R.P. office a couple of times over the years. He has a vast knowledge of the recreation sector in Canada having volunteered on national boards, including the C.P.R.A. TJ has a passion for parks and recreation and is a true advocate for our profession.
TJ continues to share his knowledge with recreation practitioners through volunteering and his two private ventures: Prairie Grave Care LTD and Biemans Consulting.
For his own recreation, he enjoys anything outdoors, travelling, learning something new and quiet days at the lake.
The Board of Directors Scholarship is a scholarship provided annually to one student in a recreation related post-secondary program that includes recreation, sport, and culture. It acknowledges the contributions made by the S.A.R.P. Board of Directors to the recreation field in Saskatchewan over the last 50 years. The Board has been made up of many accomplished recreation professionals over the years since its inception in 1969. Each Associate Member (must be enrolled as a full time student in post secondary studies) is eligible to win this one time only Scholarship.
2023 Successful Recipients
Caitlyn Beare - Roy Ellis Bursary
Caitlyn Beare is a 4th year Kinesiology and Therapeutic Recreation student at the University of Regina. Her goal is to work as a Recreation Specialist after graduation in 2024. She has worked in long-term care as a Recreation Worker, has been a lifeguard, skating coach and is now working in a home for those living with disabilities. Her professors say that Caitlyn is always reliable, works collaboratively with other classmates, shows a strong interest towards lectures and assignments and is eager to learn.
Congratulations Caitlyn!
Cydney St.Denis - Anne Robins Scholarship
Cydney St. Denis is a 2nd year Therapeutic Recreation student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. After high school, she completed the Continuing Care Aid certificate, then decided to continue on in the therapeutic recreation field. Cydney wants to make a difference in the lives of individuals through the use of leisure and play, while also helping individuals reintegrate into the community. Her professors say that Cydney is very personable and has great organizational skills. She has a very positive attitude and gets along very well with her classmates and professors. Cydney’s goals are to work in long-term care, specifically with older adults.
Congratulations Cydney!
Donilee Doidge - TJ Biemans Bursary
Donilee Doidge is a 2nd year Therapeutic Recreation student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. She grew up in a small community, spending plenty of quality time with family. She especially enjoyed the time spent with her grandparents. This steered her into recreation therapy and is her driving force to be able to help the older adult demographic in the future. Her professors say that Donilee is very passionate and driven about her future plans. She is self-directed, takes initiative and completes her tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Donilee’s goals are to specialize in Therapeutic Recreation, working specifically with older adults.
Congratulations Donilee!
Nicole Kennedy - Board Scholarship
Nicole Kennedy is a 2nd year Therapeutic Recreation student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in Saskatoon. As someone living with a disability, she is a successful student and community member. She works to advocate for individuals with disabilities, as well as sharing her own story through public measures. Nicole’s professors say that she is a wonderful ambassador for the therapeutic recreation program, promoting the value and benefits of recreation therapy and the profession. She has demonstrated her passion for this profession through her education, employment and volunteering. Nicole’s goals are to work in mental health and research. She plans to combine a psychology honors degree with the therapeutic recreation diploma to further the research on benefits of recreation in Saskatchewan.
Congratulations Nicole!