Par Aide sponsors scholarship program for children of superintendents
Lawrence, Kan.– The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2022 Par Aide Garske Grants to Nathan Daly, Cabot Ellis, Madison Kennedy, Jake Larson, Meghan MacDonald, Josephine Marcinek, Rhianna Mathews, Avalon Ramsey, Jack Stone, Mason Vander Pol and Kristen Wallace.
Established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske, the Par Aide Garske Grant is funded by the golf course accessory company and administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. For 19 years, the program has helped children and stepchildren of GCSAA members fund their education at an accredited college or trade school with one-time, one-year grants. There are eleven grants awarded for a total of $14,000. Grants are based on community service, leadership, academic performance and a written essay.
“GCSAA is grateful for Par Aide’s ongoing support of the association and the children of its members, who will be able to achieve their academic goals thanks in part to the Par Aide Garske Grant,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We are hopeful these students will be set up for success well into the future, and we extend our gratitude to Par Aide for their continued generosity.”
- Ramsey has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of Central Florida to major in forensic science. Her father, Joseph N. Ramsey, is the director of golf and grounds at Quail Ridge Property Owners Association in Boynton Beach, Fla.
- Vander Pol has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend Iowa State University to major in biochemistry. His father, Mike J. Vander Pol, is the superintendent at Emerald Hills Golf Course in Arnolds Park, Iowa.
- Daly has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Providence College to major in history. His father, Patrick J. Daly III, CGCS, is the director of golf course and grounds operations at Framingham (Mass.) Country Club.
- Ellis has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Texas A&M University to major in turfgrass science. His father, Craig D. Ellis, is the superintendent at Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells, Calif.
- Kennedy has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Yakima Valley College to major in nursing. Her father, Jamie W. Colson, is the superintendent at Sun Country Golf Course in Cle Elum, Wash.
- Larson has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse to major in exercise science. His father, William R. Larson, CGCS, is the superintendent at Town and Country Club in St. Paul, Minn.
- MacDonald has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Tufts University to major in computer science. Her father, Brad M. MacDonald, is the superintendent at Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills in Quincy, Mass.
- Mathews has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Mahurin Honors College at Western Kentucky University to major in pre-veterinary. Her father, Aaron Mathews, is the superintendent at Cole Park Golf Course in Fort Campbell, Tenn.
- Marcinek has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Thomas Aquinas College to major in exercise science. Her father, Darrell Marcinek, CGCS, is the superintendent at Somerset County Park Commission in North Branch, N.J.
- Stone has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of Massachusetts-Amherst to major in finance. His father, Daniel Stone, is the superintendent at Quashnet Valley Country Club in Mashpee, Mass.
- Wallace has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Kansas State University to major in marketing and finance. Her father, William L. Wallace, CGCS, is the superintendent at Denton (Texas) Country Club.
About Par Aide
Since 1954, Par Aide has been providing superior golf course accessories “Wherever Golf is Played.” The family-owned company offers a full line of premium golf course accessories, including tee, green and practice area products, tools and signage. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., Par Aide distributes products to golf courses through a worldwide network of dealers. Par Aide is a member of the Presidential Club of the GCSAA Foundation’s cumulative giving program. Presidential Club level donors have contributed $100,000 – $249,999 to the Foundation since 1987. Par Aide is also a silver PRP partner of GCSAA. For more information, visit www.paraide.com.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 19,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org
