Par Aide sponsors scholarship program for children of superintendents

Lawrence, Kan. (June 10, 2025) – The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has awarded its 2025 Par Aide Garske Grants to Sara Bernard, David Allen Brown, Tayton Connolly, Brogan Danbrook, Lidia DiMascio, Sophia Fabulich, Connor Gehman, Abby Hancock, Piper Lee, Dante Pusateri and Kateri Sherman.

“Thanks to Par Aide’s continued generosity via the Garske Grants, we’re able to assist the children of GCSAA members in advancing their academic pursuits,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Many thanks to Par Aide for their longstanding support of the GCSAA Foundation, which is undoubtedly creating brighter futures for GCSAA members and their families.”

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 more than 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 11 grants awarded for a total of $14,000. Grants are based on community service, leadership, academic performance, and a written essay.

“At Par Aide, we are deeply honored to continue our support of the Garske Grants in partnership with the GCSAA Foundation. This scholarship program reflects the values and vision of our founder, Joseph S. Garske, and it’s incredibly meaningful to us to invest in the next generation through the families of GCSAA members. We believe that education opens doors, not just for individuals, but for entire communities, and we’re proud to help these deserving students pursue their dreams,” said Dan Brown, director of sales and marketing at Par Aide. “Our long-standing partnership with the GCSAA is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and the betterment of the golf course management industry, and we’re excited to continue making a lasting impact together.”

• Pusateri has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend Washington & Jefferson College to major in biology and the pre-physical therapy program and minor in business/entrepreneurship. His father, Ron Pusateri, is the superintendent at South Hills Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pa.
• Sherman has earned a $2,500 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of Kentucky to major in integrated strategic communications. Her father, Matthew Sherman, is superintendent at Piqua Country Club in Piqua, Ohio.

• Bernard has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Florida State University to major in marketing. Her father, Steven Bernard, is the director of golf course maintenance at Adios Golf Club in Coconut Creek, Fla.
• Brown has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend the University of South Carolina to major in mechanical engineering with a focus on sustainability. His father, Scott Brown, is the superintendent at Surf Golf & Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
• Connolly has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Clemson University to major in agribusiness. His father, Chuck Connolly, is the director of golf operations at Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, S.C.
• Danbrook has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Michigan State University to major in crop and soil science. His father, Chris Danbrook, is the superintendent at High Pointe Golf Club in Williamsburg, Mich.
• DiMascio has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Kent State University. Her father, John DiMascio, CGCS, is the superintendent at R. G. Drage Career Technical Center in Massillon, Ohio.
• Fabulich has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Florida State University. Her father, Scott Fabulich, is the superintendent at Oceanside Country Club in Ormond Beach, Fla.
• Gehman has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Shippensburg University to major in civil engineering or accounting. His father, Joshua Gehman, is the superintendent at Butter Valley Golf Port in Bally, Pa.
• Hancock has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to major in nursing. Her father, Rick Hancock, is the superintendent at Indian Summer Golf & Country Club in Olympia, Wash.
• Lee has earned a $1,000 scholarship and is planning to attend Clemson University to major in financial management. Her father, Kenneth Lee, is the director of golf course operations at Cherokee Town & Country Club in Atlanta, Ga.