E. Valaria Murphy was the first APCE member to receive a Life Membership (now called the Life Acheivement Award.)   She is remembered because she attended every National Presbyterian Church Educator Event from the beginning days of TAUPE|ACE through APCE until 1987.  Then her failing health confined her to home.

Val was a pioneer for minorities in church education.  She developed a Church School at Maryhill, PA, for the Baltimore Presbytery.  Beginning with two children and their parents, in one year the school grew to 1,400 members.

Up to two scholarships are awarded per year, with a maximum of $1,000 per award. This scholarship is intended to assist deserving persons with lodging, meals, registration, and travel for the Annual Event. First consideration is given to racial/ ethnic persons working in the field of Christian education, who are also students majoring in Christian education. Second consideration is given to Christian educators in the field. Third consideration is given to Christian education students.