The International Spa Association (ISPA) Foundation has awarded two recipients to receive the Mary Tabacchi Scholarship.

Kelsey Brink from Hallstead, Pennsylvania and Margot Mangiarotti from Locust Valley, New York, will be honoured onstage during the general session at the annual ISPA Conference & Expo at The Venetian in Las Vegas, held this year 13 - 15 September.

Brink attends Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida and will obtain a degree in resort and hospitality management in May 2017. She aspires to develop research that proves the positive effects of massage and the healing powers of touch.

Mangiarotti attends Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and will obtain a degree in hotel administration in May 2017. She hopes to broaden the spa industry by making it more readily available to consumers.

The ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship was created in 2006 and named in honour of Mary Tabacchi, Ph.D., RD, associate professor, hospitality facilities and operations at Cornell University.

"Kelsey and Margot are both outstanding students and individuals dedicated to the spa industry,” said ISPA Foundation chair Frank Pitsikalis.

“They each bring different leadership strengths to the ISPA community. After working through a very thoughtful application and interview process, the ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship committee is honoured to be able to recognise them for their achievements and encourage their future endeavours.”

Brink and Mangiarotti will each be awarded US$5,000 (€4,427, £3,498) to help counterbalance their educational dues. In addition, they will receive a travel stipend and hotel accommodations to attend the 2016 ISPA Conference & Expo, a one-year ISPA student membership, and will be assigned a one-year mentor to help navigate their career aspirations.

"I am extremely grateful to be chosen as a Mary Tabacchi Scholarship recipient,” said Brink. “I am thankful to the scholarship selection committee and the ISPA community for this incredible opportunity, as well as my previous educators, mentors, and especially to my family for inspiring me and supporting all of my big dreams."

Mangiarotti said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received the 2016 ISPA Foundation Mary Tabacchi Scholarship. Since the fall of my freshman year I have focused my efforts on studying the spa and wellness industry and the ideals it represents. I cannot wait to attend the ISPA Conference in September alongside such exceptional industry leaders as well as receive a mentor and the financial award that will go toward my valued education.”