SPRD offers families scholarships

The Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) offers two scholarships for Sisters Country families that participate in SPRD programs.

The Bonnie Malone Scholarship Fund was created in honor of the founder of SPRD’s maiden organization, SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation). Malone helped start SOAR with the intent to serve children after school and expanded the offerings to include preschool, and eventually other recreation programs for youth and adults.

When SOAR officially became a taxing district in 1998, Malone served on the Board of Directors until 2010. This scholarship is intended to support families that face financial barriers and provide them with assistance so they can participate in SPRD programs.

SPRD’s newest scholarship is the Lt. Chris Salisbury USMC Outdoor Adventure Scholarship Fund, created in memory of Lieutenant Chris Salisbury to assist children who may not otherwise be able to participate in SPRD summer camps, including the Jim Anderson Camp for Science and Nature, Survival Camp, and Summer Adventure Camp. Chris was an avid outdoorsman; he loved backpacking, skiing, and fishing.

He possessed the same enthusiasm and love for life that most young people have. What set Chris apart was his sense of compassion; he cared for all, particularly those who were less fortunate. The U.S. Marine Corps furthered Salisbury’s sense of compassion and helped guide it in a more controlled manner. This scholarship was created in his honor.

Lt. Salisbury’s father, Ralph Salisbury, who created this new scholarship in partnership with SPRD, said “Chris would be honored to have supported SPRD in its quest to educate and engage children in outdoor activities. We are hopeful to be able to expand support in other SPRD programs.”

Anyone interested in applying for SPRD scholarships can access the eligibility criteria and application at https://sistersrecreation.com/scholarships/ or at the Coffield Center located at 1750 W. McKinney Butte Rd.