DOMESTIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA
DAVID L. CHRISTENSEN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP


STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP   (click here for application)   (Word doc version)
The Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania will be awarding three (3) $1,000.00 Scholarships to children of full-time county Domestic Relations employees and/or members of the Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania who are employed in the public sector. The student must be enrolled full-time in an accredited post-secondary undergraduate program and maintain at least a C average. The employee (parent) must be a resident of Pennsylvania and a full-time employee of one or more DRS offices continuously from time of application through the awarding of the scholarship. Winner will be determined by lottery at the Annual Training Conference.

EMPLOYEE SCHOLARSHIP   (click here for application)    (Word doc version)
The Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania will be awarding one (1) $1,000.00 Scholarship to a full/part-time permanent employee of the DRS with a minimum of one (1) year experience who is enrolled in a College/University/Business School in pursuit of an undergraduate degree. The DRS Director will certify that the Recipient student has maintained a C average in each class and that the money paid to the student will not be in addition to any other third party payments. The $1,000.00 Scholarship must be used in a single academic year. The winner will be determined by lottery at the Annual Training Conference.

Completed application forms must be submitted by Monday September 22, 2008

David L. Christensen
Director, Erie County Domestic Relations Section
Deceased Wednesday April 4, 2001

Comments by Tom Holman at the May 2001 Director's conference 

"Remembering a Friend"

Among any group of DRS directors, it is not an uncommon thing for one us to leave the group in order pursue other career opportunities. Neither is it uncommon for one of us to retire and move a different phase of life. It is, however, uncommon for us to lose a director to death.

For better than a decade, David L. Christensen served as the Director of the Erie County DRS and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Domestic Relations Association of Pennsylvania. While he was in our midst he regaled us with his stories, entertained us by his antics and always challenged us to recognize the noble calling which is ours: to serve children and families throughout the Commonwealth.

Knowing exactly the right thing to say when we pause to remember a colleague is often difficult. In this case there are three things we know for sure. First, there was nothing that Dave would not do for any of us. Second, Dave was a "class act" when it came to seeking excellence. And third, age 62 is much too young to die.

As we remember the time we all had with Dave, we should remember the things in our work that are most important. The friendships we share are, without a doubt, are of more significance than any of the frustrations and anxiety we face in our daily efforts. Dave would remind us that the relationships we share will follow us through life and beyond.

David L. Christensen was our friend...and we shall miss him greatly. 

2007 WINNERS

Employee - Laura Pitoniak (Lehigh County DRS)

 Student - Marcus Simms, son of Michael Simms (Greene County DRS)

Student - Michael Hydock, son of Michael Hydock (Carbon County DRS)

Student - Justin Mason, son of Ruth Mason (Erie County DRS)
 

2006 WINNERS

Employee - Eric Trupp (Berks County DRS)

 Student - Steven Willis, son of Donna Willis (Northumberland County DRS)

Student - Kevin Foose, son of Jodi Foose (Franklin County DRS)

Student - Brett Krizanik, son of Patricia Krizanik (Erie County DRS)
 

2005 WINNERS

Employee - Crystal Austin (Allegheny)

 Student - Erin McFee for Rosemary McFee (Lehigh County)

Student - Jennifer Weaver for Susan Weaver (York County)
 

2004 WINNERS

Employee - Shawn Quinn (Allegheny)

Student - Jacob Kent (York County)

Student - Donna Swanson (McKean County)
 

2003 WINNERS

Students: Lauren Ann Ondecko & Kevin D. Hart

Employee: Dawn L. Atiyeh

1998 Winners

Student - Jocelyn Soyka (Cambria County)

Student - Thomas Calpin (Lackawanna County)

Employee - Raydene Harwick (Bucks County)

last updated 07/15/2008