LEXINGTON, Ky. - The International SPA Association Foundation is pleased to announce University of Houston student Kate Sornson is the 2010 recipient of the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.
Sornson is enrolled in the university's spa management program. As a beneficiary of the scholarship she will receive $2,500 toward her education as well as a trip to the 2010 ISPA Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. area/National Harbor, MD.
"We are thrilled to honor Kate Sornson as the third recipient of the Mary Tabacchi scholarship. Her passion for the spa industry is evident, and she will be a great asset to the spa community," said ISPA Foundation President Jeff Kohl. "We should all take responsibility in serving as a mentor to the next generation of spa industry leaders."
Upon learning of the honor Sornson said, "Receiving the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship helped me believe in myself. Knowing that others believe in my abilities makes it easier to follow my dreams and exceed my own expectations."
Sornson's interest in the spa industry began when she found an ad in the newspaper for a spa receptionist position. She knew she had found her niche when she started to form relationships with the spa's regular clientele, helping them to experience the best treatments customized to their needs. Her ultimate goal is to open a destination spa with an addiction rehabilitation center. She says, "I believe the spa industry and recovery are about helping people to help themselves. I hope to open the door for greater understanding and acceptance of various addictions."
With Sornson's passion for learning she's looking forward to the 20th annual ISPA Conference & Expo. She explains, "Industry organizations are important because they provide great networking opportunities for students, like myself, to meet people in the spa industry and learn from their experiences."
The scholarship is named in honor of industry pioneer and Cornell University Associate, Professor Mary H. Tabacchi, Ph.D., R.D. The Mary Tabacchi Scholarship was created by the ISPA Foundation to provide a permanent resource for the growth and sustainability of the spa industry. For more information on the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship visit the ISPA Foundation Web site.
About the ISPA Foundation
Created in 1999 to serve the educational and research needs of the spa industry through endowments, curriculum development and scholarships, the ISPA Foundation is the nonprofit 501(c)3 arm of ISPA. The ISPA Foundation's mission is to improve and enhance the value of the spa experience while supporting its vision of sustainable health and well-being through the advancement of spa culture. For more information on the ISPA Foundation and opportunities for involvement, please visit www.experienceispa.com/ISPAFoundation/.