Each year WAMDA provides scholarship funds to students pursuing a career in nutrition and dietetics. Additionally, Special Recognition Awards are given to an outstanding WAMDA member and non-WAMDA individual who has made contributions to the nutrition profession. Below are this year's recipients. Congratulations to all and thank you for your dedication to nutrition!
Student Scholarship Recipients
Hailey Ficarrotta is a junior at UMass, majoring in Nutrition. She is a student nutritionist and counselor in training for the Student Nutritionist Program. Additionally, she is very involved in the Sports Nutrition Committee on campus where she develops and implements research, as well as delivers presentations. To top it all of, she recently accepted a position as an executive assistant for a CEO of a wellness nonprofit. Our recipient currently plans to enroll in an accelerated Master’s degree program before completing a dietetic internship.
Samantha Ball received her undergraduate degree from UMass. She continued on to pursue her Master’s degree in Nutrition, graduating this May with a 4.0 GPA. During her time at UMass, she was a member of the Commonwealth Honors College, and completed a year long thesis. She worked as a Nutrient Analysis Intern for UMass Dining, and was a teaching assistant for a nutrition counseling course. She plans on completing a dietetic internship and becoming a registered dietitian.
WAMDA Special Recognition Award Winners
Rep. Patricia Duffy represents the 5th Hampden district and recently attended the February Public Policy 101 workshop hosted by WAMDA public policy. She is actively interested in food advocacy and promoting access to nutrition assistance programs. She has always been supportive and enthusiastic of RD work and willing to listen to our concerns.
Jacqui Campbell is a private practice dietitian located in Enfield, CT. Not only has she been successfully running a small business, she is also a mother to two boys and a diligent member of her community. She was instrumental in helping with the annual road race and provided valuable information and support that helped the day go smoothly, despite not being part of the road race committee!