Outstanding Young Professional Award
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.
Award Recipients
2023 – Dylan Thiem, Bismarck Park District
2022 – Randi Litchy, Fargo Park District
2021 – Hilary Flatt, Valley City Parks and Recreation
2020 – Ashley Martinson, Valley City Parks and Recreation
2019 – Elly DesLauriers, Minot Park District
2018 – Allison Hauschild, West Fargo Park District
2018 – Matthew Mack, Dickinson Parks and Recreation
2017 – Jahna Gardiner, Bismarck Parks and Recreation District
2013 – Jeremy Ludlum, Williston Parks and Recreation District
2010 – Dr. Joe Deutsch, North Dakota State University
2006 – Dave Frueh, Mandan Park District
2001 – Kevin Klipfel, Valley City Park District
1998 – Bob Gillen, Hazen Park District
1998 – Amy Pederson, Valley City Park District
1997 – Tyler Jacobson, Casselton Park District
1997 – James Kramer, Dickinson Park District