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Outstanding Young Professional Award

2024 NDRPA Outstanding Young Professional Award Recipient: Caleb Burgard, Dickinson Parks and Recreation.

​The Outstanding Young Professional Award honors professional members of NDRPA and NRPA who have experience of less than 10 years and are age 35 or younger.

Qualifications include:

• At least three years of active membership in NRPA, NDRPA, and any of its branches and affiliates.
• Less than 10 years of experience as a leader, instructor, supervisor, administrator, consultant, or a combination of these services in the field of parks, recreation and conservation.
• Must be 35 years of age or younger (at the time of nomination deadline).
• Shown leadership skills through involvement in local associations, advocacy efforts, community outreach, holding an elected position within local organization, and volunteer opportunities.
• Achieved accomplishments including awards, commendations, honors, and professional advancement through their work in parks and recreation.
• Contributed to the park, recreation, and leisure field through any of the following: research, advocacy, community efforts to advance the field, developing service through creative program development.