FARMINGTON — Mariah Jane Sloat, a University of Maine Farmington senior majoring in community health education, has been awarded a 21st Century Student Scholarship by the Society for Public Health Education. Sloat is being recognized by the national organization for her academic excellence, high level of involvement in health education research and support of the organization’s Continuing Education Committee.

Originally from Bridgton, Sloat has dedicated her time at UMF to her studies in community health education and supportive roles where she can help campus members make healthy life choices. “Mariah has worked with me as an intern, and I couldn’t be prouder of her accomplishments,” said Bud Martin, UMF associate professor of community health. “She has a real passion for promoting wellness and giving individuals the knowledge and tools that will help them live healthier lives.”

Sloat is currently interning with The Patrick Dempsey Cancer Center for Hope & Healing in Lewiston that provides free support, education and wellness services to anyone impacted by cancer. At the Center she works as a Cancer Health Outreach Educator — an individual who provides information to community members, organizations, schools and businesses about cancer; resources; and ways to reduce risk of cancer and increase wellness by changing modifiable behaviors.

In addition to her work at the Dempsey Center, Sloat has also been very active with the UMF Student Health Center. She has worked closely with health center staff as a campus health advocate helping to create and support healthy choices programming.

As a group fitness instructor at the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center, she has provided safe, appropriate group exercise class instruction to campus and community members. She is a member of Eta Sigma Gamma, a national professional honorary organization for students in health sciences whose primary purpose is to advance professional competencies in all areas of health.

“I am so grateful for this scholarship,” said Sloat. “It will make it possible for me to attend the public health educator’s annual meeting this spring, a valuable opportunity to connect with other practitioners and learn from professionals in the field.”

The SOPHE scholarship award is given to help support student registration and travel expenses to its annual professional meeting, which will be held in Charlotte, N.C., this spring.