Lawrence, Kan. (June 25, 2024) – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2024 Par Aide Garske Grants to Kiersten Bolon, Jacob Shanahan, Hayden Fabulich, Claire Marcinek, Mia Waddle, Sarah Bagwell, Trevor Keilen, Riley Maronge, Andrew Stewart, Jaclyn Kelly Skirhanich and Mia Safrit.

Established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske, the Par Aide Garske Grant competition is funded by the golf course accessory company and administered by the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. For over 20 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.

“With Par Aide’s generous support to the Garske Grants, we are able to provide 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.”

• Bolon has 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.
• Shanahan has 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.
• Fabulich has 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.
• Marcinek has 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.
• Waddle has 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.
• Bagwell has 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.
• Keilen has 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.
• Maronge has 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.
• Stewart has 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.
• Skirhanich has 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.
• Safrit has 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.