2016 Carl Parsell Scholarships were given to three winners (from left): Meaghan Barch, Kelcie LaTour and Brandon Warda. Each received a $2,500 award.

 

The Carl Parsell Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 in memory of the law enforcement union movement pioneer. Parsell spent an unparalleled career thinking about the welfare of the employees he represented, always taking effective actions to constantly improve their economic status, working conditions, and future. The scholarship continues his legacy of improving the lives and futures of others, through education. Scholarships are awarded each year to Michigan family members of MAP, MAPE and MAFF union members. Funds for the scholarships are derived from the Annual Carl Parsell Memorial Scholarship Golf Outing, which took place this year June 9, 2016.

 

Meaghan Barch plans to use her Carl Parsell Scholarship to pursue a degree in Biology at Oakland University and plans to attend medical school. MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner (from right) congratulates Barch and her parents, Michele Barch and MAP member Beverly Hills Police Sgt. Peter D. Barch.

MAP Sergeant’s daughter excels in academics, softball and helping others

By Jennifer Foley, MAFF Editor

Meaghan Barch has all the makings of a successful college student – she works hard to achieve excellent grades, has been admitted to advanced academic programs, worked in a profession related to her field of study, is involved in athletics, and volunteers her time to help others. So it’s no surprise the daughter of Beverly Hills Village Police Sergeant Peter D. Barch has been honored as a Carl Parsell Scholarship winner this year.

“The Carl Parsell Scholarship would assist me in paying for my undergraduate schooling, as I will be paying for my own education,” wrote Barch in her scholarship application. “I will be attending Oakland University (OU) in a pre-medical program. Upon my completion, I will attend medical school to become an obstetrics gynecologist, pediatrician or medical examiner.”

Barch, a Utica High School student with a 3.7 GPA, was selected as one of three 2016-17 recipients of the $2,500 scholarship. She will pursue a degree in Biology at OU.

MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner (right) presents Meaghan Barch with her award at the Carl Parsell Golf Outing June 9, 2016.


“She proved to be an overachiever and a class leader,” said her fourth grade teacher, Linda DeCumen of Flickinger Elementary. “Her vivacious personality, intelligence and subtle humility took the school by storm. ... Throughout her junior high and high school career, Meaghan shared the little time she had tutoring students who needed extra help in math and reading in my classroom. She continually amazes me with her endless accomplishments.”

Barch served as Historian for the National Junior Honor Society, was a National Honor Society member, and Secretary and President of French Club. She was awarded for Outstanding AP U.S. History Student, received an All-Academic Team Award in Freshman Soccer and was a player and referee for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO). She was also involved in Sideline Cheer for Basketball, AYSO Nationals Team Player in 2014, and Beyond the LJ, a club formed to build a school in Africa through fundraising.

Barch received awards for: “A” Honor Roll, Outstanding MST Student and the President’s Award for Educational Excellence. Her scholastic achievements include being accepted to both the Utica Center for Mathmatics, Science and Technology (MST) and Utica Community Schools Academy for International Studies, both prestigious academically talented programs. Barch had to choose which program to pursue and opted for MST. She was also dual-enrolled in college while in high school, attending Utica DEEP Medical Science program through the University of Michigan – Flint Campus.

In the community, she served as a preschool leader for Vacation Bible School at Peace Lutheran Church, participated in St. Jude Walk, was a tutor, event volunteer and VIP Buddy for AYSO, where she also coached the undefeated U8 Boys soccer team and coaches U8 Girls soccer.

Barch is employed at 1st Choice Physical Therapy as an office tech, where she performs patient intake, ultrasounds and electric stimulation. Barch said she received training in the medical techniques while on the job. She also works a second job at Palazzo Grande Banquet Halls, where she was recently promoted from waitress to floor manager. Her medical training includes an internship at Signature Dentistry of Rochester, where she observed dental procedures and made dental impressions.

In addition to the Carl Parsell Scholarship, Barch also received a four-year scholarship from OU for $3,000 annually for her high GPA and ACT score of 28.

Kelcie LaTour (right center) plans to use her Carl Parsell Scholarship to pursue a Physician's Assistant degree while playing softball at Grand Valley State University. Her parents are (from left) MAP members Jack LaTour, a St. Clair Shores Sergeant, and Tricia LaTour, a Sterling Heights Officer. Her father's battle with cancer inspired her to become an oncologist.

Daughter of MAP members learned importance of protecting and serving

By Jennifer Foley, MAFF Editor

Kelcie LaTour was raised by parents whose duty it is to protect and serve others, so it’s no surprise that she also wants to pursue a career focused on helping others - an attribute that made her even more attractive as one of this year’s Carl Parsell Scholarship winners.

“My parents have taught me how important it is to give back,” LaTour wrote in her scholarship application. “I started delivering Meals on Wheels with my mom and discovered it made me feel so good to be able to help people.”

LaTour’s parents, MAP members Jack LaTour, a St. Clair Shores Police Sergeant, and Tricia LaTour, a Sterling Heights Police Officer, have a lot to be proud of as Kelcie heads off to Grand Valley State University (GVSU) to pursue a Physician’s Assistant degree while playing softball at GVSU. She takes with her the $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarship to help reduce her college costs. She also received a GVSU Softball Scholarship.

“My goal is to work at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, helping children affected with cancer,” LaTour wrote. “After watching my father battle the disease, it has driven me to want to make a change in other people’s lives so they don’t have to suffer.”

MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner (right) presents Kelcie LaTour with her award at the Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing June 9, 2016.


At Dakota High School, LaTour was active in sports playing basketball, varsity softball and volleyball, and serving as 2016 Varsity Softball Team Captain. She received several county awards including: All District Team, MAC Red Division Honorable Mention, Macomb County Honorable Mention First Base, First Team MAC Red Division, 2015 All Region Team and All County 2nd Team, 1st Base, and was voted Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year in 2013-15.

With a 3.3 GPA, she was on the Honor Roll all four years as well as Macomb Area Conference All Academic Team.
LaTour has helped her community through sorting food during the annual Post Office canned food drive; delivering Meals on Wheels to homebound area residents; volunteering at Miracle League Network helping handicapped children enjoy softball; and teaching younger girls the game of softball.

“I have volunteered at softball camps and given younger girls free hitting lessons in hopes of having more girls fall in love with the game of softball,” she wrote.

“She has an unbelievable knowledge of the game and she strives to do her best at all times and by doing so is able to elevate the play of those around her as well,” wrote Macomb Dakota Assistant Varsity Coach Mike Downey, in a letter of recommendation. “Kelcie is an excellent teammate who always encourages everyone.”

“I also broke and continue to hold multiple school softball records,” LaTour wrote in her application.

“She owns the records for home runs in a season and for a career and the records for runs batted in for a season and for a career,” wrote Dakota Varsity Softball Coach Rick Fontaine in a letter of recommendation. “She has never missed or been late for a practice, never gave up on her herself or her teammates during a game, and showed an eagerness to learn and improve herself every day. Kelcie is well-respected by her peers and is a player that teammates rally around.”

“During the summer I work for Bello Woods Golf Course and play on a high level competitive travel softball team,” she wrote, adding she also babysits year round to save money for college.

 

Carl Parsell Scholarship winner Brandon Warda (center) was honored during the Carl Parsell Golf Outing June 9, 2016. Warda and his father, MAFF member Jaroslaw Warda (left), were congratulated by MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner.

Son of MAFF fire fighter is dedicated volunteer in pursuit of nursing career

By Jennifer Foley, MAFF Editor

Brandon Warda understands the importance of community service and already has a jump start on his career in nursing, earning him the honor of receiving one of three $2,500 Carl Parsell Scholarships for the 2016-17 school year.

Warda, who plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, began working as a physical therapy tech while still attending Dakota High School in Macomb. He is the son of Michigan Association of Fire Fighters (MAFF) member Jaroslaw Warda, a Macomb Township Fire Fighter who is also a design engineer at FCA Group.

Warda, who has a 3.6 GPA, plans to attend Oakland University. He works at Health Quest Physical Therapy in Shelby Township where he helps patients with their exercises and therapeutic procedures as directed by the Physical Therapist. A dedicated community volunteer, Warda was hired at Health Quest after volunteering there for three months. He also works a second job as a cook and dishwasher at Sycamore Hills Golf Club.

MAFF Executive Director Fred Timpner (right) presents Brandon Warda with his award at the Carl Parsell Memorial Golf Outing June 9, 2016.

“Within the last four years, I have participated in many activities and clubs including Key Club, National Honor Society, my high school boy’s soccer team, and many volunteer activities,” Warda wrote in his application. “I have participated in volunteer groups to better people outside of my school, such as tutoring elementary school children at the Boys and Girls Club as well as participating in my church as an altar boy.”

In school, Warda received recognition for academics, including being on Honor Roll every semester, good behavior and good acts. “Besides academics, I am also fluent in Polish,” he said. “That was actually my first language from when I was a kid. I would like to study abroad (in Poland) if I am able to.”

“By being able to become a nurse, I can pay back my community by possibly becoming a first responder in aid of patients that are in need of my help. If I was to work in the ICU or emergency services, I would be a first responder once they come into the building,” Warda said. “I’m hoping in the future to become a nurse practitioner.”