In August 2020, the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association (CFDA) selected Emma Campbell of West Hartford as the recipient of its 2020 scholarship award for Connecticut high school seniors who are pursuing careers in funeral service.

Campbell graduated with honors from Hall High School in West Hartford in June and will enter the Funeral Service program at Goodwin University. The CFDA scholarship funds will be used toward her education and professional training. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, instead of CFDA’s traditional presentation ceremony, leaders of the association presented Campbell with the funds and a bouquet of flowers on the front lawn of her home.

“We created this scholarship award to help ensure that there will continue to be qualified, professionally educated and trained funeral directors who will serve families and individuals in the future,” explained John F. Cascio, CFDA executive director.

All funeral directors/embalmers in the State of Connecticut must be licensed. The licensure requirements include a degree in mortuary science or funeral service from an accredited college or university, successful completion of the National Conference Board Examination, and a one-year apprenticeship under the direct supervision of a licensed funeral director/embalmer.

“Goodwin University and the Funeral Service program are thrilled to welcome Emma Campbell to our family. Her energy and eagerness for funeral service are so invigorating! We cannot wait to have her in class and receive her fresh perspective,” said Jesse Gomes, program director of Funeral Service.

He added, “We are proud that our program is growing, and that a new generation of funeral directors and embalmers will serve their profession and community with integrity and compassion as graduates of Goodwin University.”

To be eligible for the CFDA scholarship award for high school seniors, candidates had to be a high school senior graduating in June 2020; be a legal resident of Connecticut; be pursuing a career as a funeral director; and have maintained at least a B grade point average in grades 10 to 12. All candidates were required to submit the application form, a current high school transcript, and an essay on Why are You Pursuing a Career as a Funeral Director?

To learn more about the Funeral Service program at Goodwin, visit https://www.goodwin.edu/majors/funeral-service/