Donate to Gary Parks Memorial Scholarship to Help Future Firefighters
Press Release
Release Date: Feb. 26, 2014
Gary Parks Memorial Scholarship to Help Future Firefighters
Photo: Everett Firefighter Steve Goforth and Erin VanRy, daughter of Everett Firefighter Gary Parks, with a picture of Parks at Everett Community College’s Firefighter Plaza. The plaza was created to honor Parks, who died while battling a fire that destroyed the college’s student union in 1987.
EVERETT, Wash. – The family of Everett firefighter Gary Parks and his fellow firefighters are creating an Everett Community College scholarship to honor Parks’ memory.
Parks, an 18-year veteran of the Everett Fire Department, was killed in 1987 battling a fire that destroyed EvCC’s library and student union.
The Gary Parks Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in EvCC’s Fire Science program.
“This scholarship is something I have always wanted to do in my dad's honor. I know firsthand the importance of a quality education and how it can give you an edge in the employment arena,” said Gary Park’s oldest daughter, Erin VanRy. “I have a special place in my heart for members of fire service and Everett Community College. Thank you on behalf of the Parks family for supporting this scholarship.”
The Everett Community College Foundation is asking for donations to the scholarship fund. To give, contact the EvCC Foundation at 425-388-9555.
The scholarship will be first awarded for fall quarter 2014, Wilcox said. Fundraising will determine what amount is awarded. An application will be available March 10. Visit the scholarships web page and complete the EvCC Foundation application for all scholarships.
Applicants must live in Snohomish or Island counties, be enrolled in the college’s Fire Science program and have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Preference will be given to candidates with community service experience.
“Gary’s life was devoted to community service and helping others,” said Everett Fire Department firefighter Steve Goforth. “We are thrilled to help make it financially possible for others to follow in his path and honor his memory at the same time.”
Parks is also remembered at the college. When the college rebuilt its student union, it named the building in honor of Parks. EvCC also has a sculpture in his memory located near the Gary Parks Memorial Student Union.
The college honored Parks at a memorial in 2012 on the 25th anniversary of his death. That same year, he was named as one of the college’s distinguished alumni, the highest honor given to college alumni.