Published Author

"I AM a Product of my Environment"

Young Leaders article feature for the national magazine and organization, National Recreation and Parks Association.

Marketing and Visibility Award

Georgia Recreation and Parks Association | 2014

State award for design of spring break flyer.

Community Hero Award

Oct 2014  | Ryan Cameron and Wanda Smith Morning Show

In every neighborhood, there are “Unsung Heroes” – volunteers, everyday citizens and professionals who go well beyond their expected duties. Ryan and Wanda want to recognize people who make a difference in their community by being involved, giving back and inspiring others. That’s why V-103 is presenting The Ryan and Wanda Community Spotlight Hero Award. Samantha is the FIRST recipient of the award for her #8DollarChallenge supporting the homeless population in Atlanta and the Covenant House of Atlanta for Teens.

Board of Trustee Member / Chair, Students and Young Professionals Section

Oct 2012  | Georgia Recreation and Parks Association

As chair of for the Students and Young Professionals section of GRPA (Georgia Recreation and Parks Association) I am responsible for providing opportunities, events, meetings and workshops for young professionals and students that are in the Recreation Field, from across the state of Georgia. also in this role I ensure the following: 
a.) Young professionals in GRPA to become oriented to the
workings of GRPA for their first four years as a member.
b.) Promote student membership in the Georgia Recreation and Park Association.
c.) Serve as a clearinghouse for critical issues, concerns, problems, and opportunities facing students in recreation.

Innovative Program Award

Sep 2012 | Georgia Recreation and Parks Association

The ATL Summer of Service Learning, (SSL) was a pilot teen camp based around service and experiential learning. These components, coupled with cross-cultural exchanges, taught teens what it meant to be a responsible community citizen. As participants of SSL, teens had the opportunity to channel their creativity and passion in meaningful community service, engage in the world around them, and address problems of local, national or global importance.
The ATL SSL program encouraged teens to be more than just volunteers by incorporating service-learning activities that revolve around decision-making, leadership, and teamwork. The site locations were Collier Park, Perkerson Park and Zaban Park. There were 153 teenagers total in the 8 week program.

Proclamation

Sep 2012  | Atlanta City Council

The Camp Best Friends summer camp program was honored by the Atlanta City Council with a proclamation celebrating 31 years of service to the City of Atlanta and its youth.

Innovative Program Award

Nov 2009 | Georgia Recreation and Parks Association

The Washington Park Swim and Tennis Camp was a pilot camp based around teaching youth the basic essentials on the tennis court and in the pool.