Parsons Police Department and Labette Community College Foundation Partner to Establish "Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship"

The Parsons Police Department and the Labette Community College Foundation have announced the creation of the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship, an endowment fund designed to support area high school graduates attending LCC who plan to pursue careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, or civic leadership.

The Parsons Police Department has committed $5,000 to launch the endowment, which will receive a 50% match from the LCC Foundation's Hughes Matching Fund, increasing the initial principal balance to $7,500. This marks the sixth new endowed scholarship since the Hughes Matching Fund opportunity was announced last February.

This fund marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by the Parsons Police Department's Legacy Fund to strengthen the scholarship for future generations. The Legacy Fund will continue to make annual contributions, ensuring its growth and lasting impact, hence the name Legacy.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks expressed the department's enthusiasm for this initiative by saying "This scholarship is more than just financial aid, it's an investment in the future of our community. By supporting students who are committed to public service and leadership, we are planting seeds that will grow into strong, capable leaders for Parsons and beyond."

Lieutenant Jason Ludwig, who has been instrumental in coordinating the scholarship's creation, added "The Legacy in Leadership Scholarship reflects our belief that public service is a calling. We want to ensure that young people in our area have both the encouragement and the resources to answer that call. When we initially started the Legacy Fund and accepted donations from the public and held the first Annual Guardians of the Greens Charity Golf Scramble, we promised the public that we were going to give back to the community. This is our chance to give back and make good on our promise."

"This scholarship's focus on service, leadership, and strengthening communities perfectly aligns with the core beliefs of Pete and Mary Hughes-values they lived out every day," said LCC President Dr. Mark Watkins. "I have no doubt Pete and Mary would be incredibly pleased to see their legacy inspiring future leaders in public safety and civic engagement. Partnerships like this not only honor their memory but also create meaningful opportunities for students to follow in their footsteps."

For more information about the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship or to contribute to the scholarship endowment, please contact the Parsons Police Department at (620) 421-7060 or LCC Foundation Executive Director, Lindi Forbes, at lindif@labette.edu or 620-820-1212.

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