Student Branch awards the cream of the crop.

These students received high marks in the inaugural year of the Student Branch awards, with the committee choosing two deserving candidates, as well as one student organization. Heather Hogle from Central Michigan University was named the Outstanding Graduate Student, Kimberly Hinckley from Florida State University, was named Outstanding Undergraduate Student, and Penn State University was named Outstanding Student Club of the Year.

Hogle first learned about NRPA during her masters program in Recreation Management and Community Leadership at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Currently Hogle is a student in the education department at Central Michigan University, pursuing her specialist degree in Educational Administration and Community Leadership. "NRPA has contributed immeasurably to my growth in the field of parks and recreation and has been an enduring source of" information and support along my journey to success," Hogle said.

Hinckley graduated in May from Florida State University with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Service Administration. While serving Florida State University (FSU) Recreation Professionals Student Organization as president, Hinckley was able to motivate and give recreation students an idea of how they can benefit from being in professional organizations such as NRPA. She will continue her education this fall when she begins her master's program at FSU where she will focus on Recreation Management and Public Administration.

Penn State University's Recreation and Park Management Student Society members keep busy throughout the entire year. In addition to the student's studies and outside job commitments, they are actively involved in activities both on and off campus. One of the society's biggest projects during the year is raising money for the Four Diamonds Fund, which benefits children with cancer. They do this by participating in Penn State's 48 hour-long Dance MaraTHON. THON as it's termed, is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. Their club alone raised almost $4,000 towards this incredible cause. The society also takes an active role in NRPA. They raised funds to send 15-20 students to Reno. The society feels that by attending Congress their students are, "receiving an invaluable experience."

To learn more about the Student Branch or its award program, log onto www. nrpa.org or e-mail Kate Schneider at [e-mail].