January 2018

Page A28 JANUARY 2018 FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY NEWS S ec t i on A The Academy Announces Scholarship Opportunities and New CFSPs Sigma Phi Sigma elects Executive Board Frankie L. Washington, CFSP, NFDMA President and John W. Evans, CFSP, Academy President Standing, Lacy Robinson, CFSP; Don B. O’Guinn, CFSP; Zach Carnley, CFSP; John Evans, CFSP; Frankie Washington, CFSP; Alexander Wynn, CFSP; Daniel Simone, CFSP; Ernest Adams, CFSP; and Jenni Bryant, CFSP. Seated, Patty Hutcheson, CFSP and Carol Williams, CFSP BUCHANAN,GA— The board of trustees of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice recently completed a very successful fall board meeting and strategic planning meet- ing in Atlanta, GA. Along with that meeting, the trust- ees visited the headquarters of the National Funeral Di- rectors and Morticians Asso- ciation in Union City. The Academy was welcomed by president Frankie Wash- ington, chairman of the board Alexander Wynn and NFDMA executive director, Dr. Carol Williams, and her gracious staff. The Academy enjoyed a tour of the facilities and a delicious southern meal with their hosts. The two groups discussed opportunities and challenges that each organization faces. The Academy is appreciative of the support of NFDMA and their encour- agement of life-long learning for their members. During the strategic planning an item discussed was how the Academy can better support their student members and encourage them to continue life-long learning. The trustees voted to award two $500 scholarships to student members to assist with their National Board Examination fees. Acad- emy student members will submit the scholarship applica- tion, which can be found on the Academy website, and the monies will be awarded in April, 2018. The trustees felt very strongly that the Legacy Endowment Fund should be used to support and nurture their future funeral directors as well as funeral directors who are dedicated to life-long learning. More and more of their hard working members are reach- ing the covetedCertifiedFuneral Service Practitioner (CFSP) designation awarded by the Academy of Professional Funer- al Service Practice. Over the years the Academy has recog- nized hundreds of funeral directors who have completed the requirements for the CFSP designation, the highest indus- try-recognized mark of dedication to life-long learning. At the end of fall, the Academy has awarded 19 of its members the prestigious CFSP designation. APFSP congratulates the following funeral professionals who have recently completed this milestone: MatthewBailey, Wallingford, CT; Shannon Burberry, London, ON; Devin Cole, Shewood, AR; John Desmond, Troy, MI; Rumeal Ferguson, Henderson, NC; Robert Fournier, Putnam, CT; Marlan Gary, Columbus, OH; Ryan Goss, Ann Arbor, MI; George Horne, Cleve- land, OH; Randolph Horton, Washington, DC; Dimitra Johnson, Clinton, MD; Jenna Krenz, Portage, WI; Shaun Martin, Camden, NJ; Jack Norvell, Statesboro, GA; Jona- than Page, Inman, SC; Hubert Pope, Rocky Mount, NC; Kenneth Schwalbert, Clarksville, IN; Jessica Wakefield, Lacey, WA; and BrianWaters, Eaton, IN. These Academy members join the over 1700 current CFSP designees who have voluntarily committed to going above and beyond the continuing education hours required by most of their licensing boards. The CFSP designation is awarded after a member accumulates 180 hours of ap- proved activities. Once members reach the required hours, they must continue to complete a minimum of 20 hours per year to maintain their designation. This commitment to continuing education and community service not only sets them apart in the funeral profession, but also shows the families they serve that they have the desire and passion to surpass the hours required to remain licensed. For more information about the Academy of Profession- al Funeral Service Practice or the CFSP designation, visit www.apfsp.org or contact Patty S. Hutcheson, CFSP, ex- ecutive director, toll free at 866-431-CFSP. (2377). NEWS Educational Members of the Executive Board (L to R): Gabriella Rotella,Aaron Stoelting, Geralda Aldajuste, Aaron Cowan, and Albert Moore. TRENTON, NJ— The Alpha Chapter of the Sigma Phi Sigma Fraternity at Mercer County Community College recently elected officers for the 2017- 18 school year. The new executive board includes President: Aaron Stoelting; Vice President: Gabriella Rotella; Secretary: Aaron Cowan; Treasurer: Albert Moore; and Professor/Advisor: Geralda Aldajuste. The fraternity strives to honor the esteemed tradi- tion of this organization, as well as be active in the community through donations, fundraisers, and or volunteer activities. CLASS OFFICERS: SEND US YOUR NEWS!