The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is pleased to announce Kate Perry and Kaitlyn Hamacher as the recipients of the 2023 PHTA Scholarship.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be a PHTA-certified pool professional or an immediate family member and must submit an application package for the PHTA board to review. This year’s essay prompt was, “If you had $100,000 to develop a water safety program in your community, what program would you develop and how would the program give children the ability to feel confident, inspired, and empowered in and around the water?”
Perry, who attends Georgia Southern University, received the $2,000 scholarship. She is a PHTA-certified pool & spa operator and has earned several certifications from the American Red Cross for lifeguarding and first aid. Her previous jobs in the aquatics industry include swim instructor, lifeguard, service technician and aquatics manager. Perry’s essay focused on generational barriers resulting in fear of the water and developing a learn-to-swim program for both children and their primary guardian. She highlighted the importance of ensuring swim instructors are properly trained and certified in water safety.
Hamacher, who attends Western Michigan University, received the $1,000 scholarship. Hamacher is the daughter of a PHTA CPO Instructor, has earned an associate degree in studio art and is now double-majoring in studio art and psychology. Her essay explained how layers of protection, including pool covers and swim safety education, can decrease the drowning rate. Her suggested program would help residential pool owners equip their pools with safety covers as well as provide additional learn-to-swim programs through initiatives such as PHTA’s Step Into Swim.
Formal recognition of this year’s recipients will occur at the World Aquatic Health Conference in Las Vegas during the CPO 50th Anniversary Luncheon on Nov. 13. To learn more about the PHTA Scholarship Program, visit phta.org/education-and-events/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/.
