October 13, 2022

Dear SHAPE America Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship Committee,

I am writing this letter in support of Anthony Scibelli for SHAPE America Ruth Abernathy
Presidential Scholarship. I have known Anthony for 4 years in which time I have been his advisor for the
Future Professional section of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance (NYS AHPERD). Anthony always gives 100% in all he does. He consistently sets an
example for his peers and is highly regarded as an outstanding student in his academic performance and
professional development leadership. Anthony’s positive attitude and hard work is to be highly
commended. He has maintained a 3.75 GPA since arriving at SUNY Cortland and expects to graduate
with honors in May 2023. In addition, Anthony will be presented with the Jay B. Nash Scholarship this
November at the NYS AHPERD conference. This award is decided by a group of higher education
professionals and is awarded to only two students throughout New York State. Anthony is very deserving
of this award.

Anthony is an active member in our professional organizations. He currently holds membership in

both SHAPE America and NYS AHPERD. Anthony is highly motivated and excited about teaching
physical education and is always willing to take an active role in professional development. NYS
AHPERD designed and implemented a program to engage future professionals to work and demonstrate
leadership throughout their careers. Anthony first attended this Leadership Academy as a Freshman. It
was clear at that time, the potential Anthony had as a leader and role model. Anthony is currently the
Future Professional President of NYS AHPERD and works very hard to support all future professionals
across New York State. He has presented and presided at both local and state conferences in the past and
as accepted to present at the 2022 NYS AHPERD conference this February.

Anthony goes above and beyond what most undergraduates do during their studies. He is currently an
active member in APEM, SUNY Cortland’s majors club and has participated or organized many events.
He has also supported youth sport by his many hours as a volunteer coach. Anthony also currently works
as a substitute teacher in the Homer Central School district where he teaches physical education on days
he does not have classes. In addition, Anthony spent the summer of 2022 as the head softball and
baseball specialist for young people ages 6-17.

Besides his responsibilities as NYS AHPERD’s Future Professional President, Anthony highlights the
meaning of a leader by his involvement as a National Academy of HPE Literacy representative, has
attended Shape America’s National Speakout Day and assists OPEN PE & SUNY Cortland as an activity
and movement pedagogy lab assistant.

Professionally, Anthony is completing coursework and will be student teaching in physical education
during the spring 2023 semester.

It is my pleasure, as NYS AHPERD’s Future Professional Section Adviser and Past President to
highly recommend Anthony Scibelli for the SHAPE America Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship. I
endorse him highly.

Sincerely,

Mara Manson
Mara Manson Ed.D
NYS AHPERD Past President and Future Professional Advisor