membership
Fontaine Piper Scholarship
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence, Education, and Service
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) proudly introduces the Fontaine Piper Scholarship, celebrating the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Fontaine C. Piper. This scholarship honors his unwavering dedication to education, mentorship, and the pool and spa industry.
Fontaine’s contributions to the industry were unparalleled. A founding architect of the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Instructor School in 1953, Fontaine dedicated his life to developing the program, certifying over 2,500 instructors, and chairing the Instructor Assessment Committee. His passion for learning and his steadfast commitment to the growth of the CPO program touched thousands of lives. Fontaine's influence helped shape the pool and spa industry, and his efforts to grow and protect the CPO Program remain a cornerstone of its success.
Fontaine’s life was marked by service, both in and out of the industry. From his time in the U.S. Navy to his decades as an esteemed educator, professor, and dean at Truman State University, Fontaine inspired excellence in everyone he met. A pioneer in biomechanics, he left a lasting mark through the Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory at Truman State University and his induction into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame. His love for teaching, humor, and ability to see the best in others made him truly unforgettable.
2025 Application Deadline: June 23
Scholarship Overview
This scholarship reflects Fontaine’s legacy of fostering growth and supporting future leaders. Scholarship recipients receive $2,000 to use towards attending the PHTA CPO Instructor Assessment School, ensuring Fontaine’s lifelong commitment to education and mentorship continues to thrive.
Click here to see the upcoming PHTA CPO Instructor Assessment School schedule.
Join us in celebrating Fontaine’s legacy by applying for this scholarship, which empowers the next generation of professionals to excel in the pool and spa industry.
Scholarship Criteria
To be eligible for the Fontaine Piper Scholarship, applicants must:
- Hold an active CPO certification
- Be a current PHTA member or be committed to joining PHTA upon acceptance into the CPO Instructor Assessment School
- Wish to become a PHTA CPO Instructor
Judging & Award Process
Applications will be reviewed by the PHTA CPO Instructor Assessment Committee, who will select the winners based on their career goals, community involvement, and contributions to the pool, spa, and hot tub industry.
Applicants must submit the online application form, including a candidate statement that should address why you want to become a PHTA CPO Instructor, your goals for becoming an instructor, and why you are deserving of this scholarship.
2025 Application Deadline: June 23
For more information about the scholarship or application process, please contact Natalie Hood.
About Dr. Fontaine C. Piper
Fontaine Piper passed away on April 19, 2024, at the age of 80. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but for his love of life, family, and community. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he enjoyed gardening, cooking, and supporting causes close to his heart, such as Seeds of Peace and the Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory at Truman State University. His influence lives on through this scholarship and the countless lives he touched.
