Golf Course Superintendents Association of America announces Garske grant winners
Par Aide sponsors scholarship program for children of superintendents
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
Lawrence, Kan. (June 23, 2014) – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2015 Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grants to Kelsi Stieler, Brooks Leftwich, Alexis Gomez, Dalton Trout and Heidi Kastenholz.
Established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske, the Garske grant program is funded by the golf course accessory company and administered by the Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program helps children and stepchildren of GCSAA members fund their education at an accredited college or trade school with one-time, one-year grants, awarded to five winners. Grants are based on community service, leadership, academic performance and a written essay.
“GCSAA’s commitment to our members extends to the betterment of their families as well,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Through the generosity of longtime supporter Par Aide, we can help the children of our members further their own professional dreams through the Garske grants. We wish these students the best of luck as they go about their educational endeavors.”
Stieler is planning to attend Fresno State University to major in liberal studies and has earned a $2,500 scholarship. Her father, Michael F. Stieler, is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club in Ripon, Calif.
Leftwich, a University of Tennessee student majoring in mechanical engineering, earned a $2,000 scholarship. His father, Michael C. Leftwich, is a 28-year GCSAA member and retired golf course superintendent in Nashville, Tenn.
Gomez, a Texas Tech University student majoring in math education, earned a $1,500 scholarship. Her father, Rey Gomez, is the GCSAA Class A member golf course superintendent at Summit Rock Over Horseshoe Bay Golf Course in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
Trout, a Pennsylvania State University student majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology, earned a $1,000 scholarship. His father, David L. Trout, is GCSAA Class A member golf course superintendent at Azalea Sands Golf Club in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Kastenholz, a Butler University student majoring in chemistry, received a $500 scholarship. Her father, Mark Kastenholz, is the GCSAA certified golf course superintendent at Tipton Golf Course in Tipton, Indiana.
“Par Aide is proud to be able to give something back to superintendents and their children,” said Dan Brown, Par Aide sales and marketing manager. “Golf course superintendents have a tireless dedication to the game of golf, and we want to honor them and their families for their efforts.”
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 Lino Lakes, Minn., Par Aide distributes products to golf courses through a worldwide network of dealers. For more information, visit www.paraide.com.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
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 nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
