GCSAA awards $14K to Par Aide Garske grant winners

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2024 Par Aide Garske Grants to 11 students for a total of $14,000.

Established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske, the Par Aide Garske Grant competition is funded by Par Aide and administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program has helped children and stepchildren of GCSAA members fund their education at an accredited colleges or trade schools with one-time, one-year grants. For more than 20 years, grants have been awarded to recipients based on community service, leadership, academic performance and a written essay.  

“With Par Aide’s generous support to the Garske Grants, we are able to help the children of GCSAA members pursue their academic dreams,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We thank Par Aide for their ongoing commitment to GCSAA members and their families.” 

The GCSAA Foundation’s mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals.

The 11 winners include:

Kiersten Bolon earned a $2,500 scholarship and plans to attend Pennsylvania State University to major in biochemistry or kinesiology. Her father, Thomas Bolon, is the director of agronomy at Lake Forest Country Club Thistle Golf Club in Hudson, Ohio. 

Jacob Shanahan earned a $2,500 scholarship and plans to attend the University of Arizona to major in finance. His father, Tracy Shanahan, is superintendent at Peach Tree Golf & Country Club in Marysville, Calif.  

Hayden Fabulich earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend the University of Florida to major in biochemistry. His father, Scott Fabulich, is the superintendent at Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach, Fla.  

Claire Marcinek earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend Temple University to major in nursing. Her father, Darrell Marcinek, is the director of golf maintenance at Somerset County Park Commission in Somerset, N.J. 

Mia Waddle earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend Iowa State University majoring in kinesiology/pre-physical therapy. Her father, Brandon Waddle, is the superintendent at Lake Panorama National Golf Course in Panora, Iowa. 

Sarah Bagwell earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend the University of Central Florida. Her father, Jason Bagwell, is the director of golf course maintenance at Gleneagles Country Club West, Chambers Bay Golf Course in Delray Beach, Fla. 

Trevor Keilen earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend Oakland Community College to major in computational data science. His father, Andrew Keilen, is the superintendent at Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield, Mich. 

Riley Maronge earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend Auburn University to major in agricultural science. His late father, Andrew Maronge, was a Class A member of the GCSAA. 

Andrew Stewart earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend the University of Central Florida to major in finance. His stepfather, Bryce Gibson, is the superintendent at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, Fla. 

Jaclyn Kelly Skirhanich earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend Bentley University to major in accounting. Her father, Michael Skirkanich, is the assistant golf course superintendent at Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills in Quincy, Mass. 

Mia Safrit earned a $1,000 scholarship and plans to attend the NASCAR Technical Institute. Her father, Steffie Safrit, is the director of grounds at TPC Piper Glen in Charlotte, N.C.  

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