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Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association

 

ASTRA Awards & Recognitions

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ASTRA recognizes outstanding Recreational Therapists in Arizona with the following awards:

Recreational Therapist of the Year
Outstanding Professional Award
Exemplary Organization Award
Student Recognition Award


Recognizing Excellence in Recreational Therapy

Each year, ASTRA invites nominations to celebrate and recognize outstanding individuals in our field. Award recipients are honored during our annual educational conference and/or business meeting, where we take time to acknowledge the incredible work being done in Arizona. In addition to our formal award categories, the ASTRA Board of Directors may also recognize other professionals who have gone above and beyond in their service and dedication to the profession. Award recipients typically receive a plaque or trophy, along with a small token of appreciation—such as a gift card or waived conference registration. Additionally, we proudly submit our annual honorees for consideration in the ATRA Annual Awards Program, sharing their accomplishments with a national audience.

How to Submit an Award Nomination

Follow these steps to recognize someone who is making a difference in recreational therapy! 

  1. Be an active ASTRA member
    Click HERE to Join or Renew Membership

  2. Log In to the  Members Only section 

  3. Access the ASTRA Awards Nomination Form

  4. Submit your nomination materials
    Answer a few questions about the nominee and write a 500-word statement explaining why this individual or organization deserves to be recognized.

Award Categories

Outstanding Professional Award

This award recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contribution to Recreational Therapy through demonstrated leadership within the profession, and/or contribution to the advancement of the profession. 

Qualifications:

  • Active member of ASTRA
  • At least 3 of the following criteria:
    • A minimum of 5 years’ full-time employment in the field with evidence of distinctive leadership in the promotion, organization, and development of new and/or unique recreational therapy programming,
    • Contributions to the profession on a national, state, and/or local level,
    • Evidence of leadership within the profession as an elected official of a recreational therapy organization,
    • Participation in professional research, publications, and/or presentations.

Recreational Therapist of the Year

This award recognizes the recipient’s outstanding contribution to Recreational Therapy through creative and innovative programming, promotion of the profession, and/or service to the profession.

Qualifications:


  • Active member of ASTRA
  • At least 2 of the following criteria:
    • Minimum of 3 years’ full-time employment in the field with evidence of creative and/or innovative programming in a clinical setting,
    • Promotion of RT through supervision of student interns and/or mentoring interns or new graduates, and
    • Evidence of promotion of the profession.



Exemplary Organization Award

This award recognizes any agency, institution, and/or organization who advocates, promotes, and/or provides Recreational Therapy services.

Qualifications:

  • Promotion of RT services at any level,
  • Development of new and/or innovated RT services/techniques,
  • Sponsorship or support of RT related educational opportunities,
  • Preparing or sponsorship of RT related legislation, and/or
  • Supportive of RT related research.



Student Recognition Award

This award recognizes a student who demonstrates outstanding potential and commitment to the field of Therapeutic Recreation.

Qualifications:

  • Active member of ASTRA
  • Current minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Enrolled in an ASU or NAU recreational therapy academic program
  • Demonstrated leadership and/or service to the profession


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