Elizabeth Root was a certified paralegal with over 40 years of experience. A long-time, honored member of OCPA, Elizabeth served as a Director, Editor and contributing writer for the Compendium. She assisted in the planning of, and contributed her expertise to OCPA’s Annual Educational Conference from 2005 to 2010. She served as the Ethics Chair and on the Mentor Committee, co-chairing its Student Career Conference and was the MCLE Compliance Coordinator for a number of years. She continuously promoted continuing education, career development, and professional recognition for paralegals. She was awarded OCPA’s Lifetime Achievement award in 2012 and NALA’s Affiliated Association Award in 2013 for her dedication to the paralegal profession. Elizabeth passed away on December 26, 2013 and is remembered as a consummate professional, a distinguished paralegal and a good friend to many. |
In recognition of her dedicated service to OCPA and the advancement of the paralegal profession, OCPA established the Elizabeth Root Memorial Scholarship.
One (1) scholarship, valued at $500.00, will be awarded to one (1) paralegal or one (1) paralegal student, provided such student did not receive an OCPA student scholarship during the calendar same year, for reimbursement of paralegal education, seminars, meetings, OCPA membership or fees for certifications (example: the NALA certified paralegal ("CP") exam or preparation classes), or the advanced certification ("ACP") exam. Qualified applicants are asked to complete the Entry Form and Essay and submit via email to the OCPA Scholarship Committee at scholarship@ocparalegal.org by October 10th, 2022. All Essays submitted will be considered by the OCPA Scholarship Committee using the Essay Judging Criteria listed below. If the OCPA Scholarship Committee deems no qualified winners, no scholarship will be awarded.
The awards ceremony will be held October 26th, 2022 at the October General Meeting. Winners must be present at the awards ceremony to accept their scholarship.
Elizabeth embraced her career and championed professional ethics, professional development, and shared her education and experience to give a hand up to other paralegals.
Answer the following question in 500-700 words:
How will you use your paralegal education and experience to lend a hand up to others?
If you have any questions regarding the Elizabeth Root Memorial Scholarship, please contact the Scholarship Committee at scholarship@ocparalegal.org.
YEAR |
NAME(S) |
2015 | Kayleen Lofgren Heather Thompson |
2016 | Cristina Gutierrez Amera Hajali |
2017 | Jack Levi Orman Connie Mao |
2021 | Margaret McFarlane |
2022 | Maria Mayo Cover |