The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America named Katelyn Ritter of Mount Airy, Md., the first recipient of the Joseph S. Garske Collegiate Grant.
The $2,500 grant, funded by Par Aide and administered through The Environmental Institute for Golf, was established in honor of Par Aide company founder Joseph S. Garske. The program awards children of GCSAA members to assist in the funding of their education at either an accredited college or trade school each year. The grant is renewable for a second year with proof of enrollment and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
"It's a honor to present Katelyn Ritter with the inaugural scholarship, while recognizing her outstanding achievements in and out of the classroom," said Steve Garske, Par Aide president. "This program is also about doing something for the golf course superintendent. It's great to be able to give something back for their timeless dedication to the game of golf."
Ritter will attend The Pennsylvania State University next fall to study architectural engineering. Her father, Thomas Ritter has been the golf course superintendent at Hampshire Greens Golf Course in Silver Springs, Md. since 1997.
Lino Lakes, Minn.-based Par Aide has been providing golf course accessories since 1954. For more information, visit www.paraide.com.