Theresa "Terri" Rivera entered the Playmaker Community when our original organization name was Project Joy. Terri’s energy was rooted in positivity, optimism, kindness, patience and joy! She was an early childhood educator and eventually became Director of Head Start in Cape Cod, MA. She was a shining light and emulated everything that encompasses a true Playmaker. With Terri’s dedication to engaging the community and expanding Playmaker fun, in 2016, Terri and other Playmakers helped create a retreat named Playmakers for Playmakers. This retreat continues to live the legacy of what our Playmaker community is all about.

To earn the Love of Terri scholarship honoring Terri’s legacy, we ask that recipients are dedicated to engaging their community by participating in Playmaker events, bringing the power of Playmaking into their early education classrooms and/or schools, finding the joy in creating games, and overall embodying the true essence of love, joy, and optimism.

Terri, once a playmaker, always a playmaker.

From Her Children: This scholarship, in the name of our beloved mother, Guadalupe (Lupe) Romero, is more than an honor—it’s a living reflection of the life she led, the values she held close, and the love she shared so freely. Her happiest moments were spent with family gathering around the table to cook, share meals, or play cards. She taught us that joy and love can live in the smallest moments, and her loving nature turned even the simplest games into cherished memories. Though family was everything to our mother—she had so much love to give that she shared it far beyond our home. She found great joy in her role as an educator, both in her professional environment and beyond.

Caring for children reflected her selfless spirit, and through play and creativity, she made them feel seen and safe. As a lifelong educator, she tailored her approach to meet the individual needs of those around her. Her keen insight allowed her to not only understand the different backgrounds and experiences of her students, but also to nurture their potential through encouragement  and support; creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone felt valued and motivated to thrive. This scholarship honors her compassion, her belief in the power of play, and her gift for lasting connection. Her legacy lives on in every child uplifted, every future playmaker, and every moment of trust, joy, and healing they create. We are so proud—and forever thankful—that her memory, values, and the light she brought to so many will now touch generations to come.

To earn the Love of Lupe scholarship honoring Lupe’s legacy, we ask that recipients are dedicated early childhood educators who will bring the 10 Playmaker Superpowers (courage, fun, humor, simplicity, gratitude, love, openness, creativity, authenticity, and compassion) to life within their classroom through games, play and more! Recipients must be in Early Childhood Education.

Lupe, once a playmaker, always a playmaker.