August 19, 2026

First PPD Legacy in Leadership Scholarship

Labette Community College is pleased to announce that Natalie McIntosh, an LCC Criminal Justice major, has been selected as the first-ever recipient of the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Scholarship.

The scholarship is made possible through a $5,000 donation to the Labette Community College Foundation’s Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Endowed Scholarship, bringing the total in scholarship contributions from the Parsons Police Legacy Fund to $10,000.

The funds invested in the endowment have come about through donations from individuals, businesses, and community supporters of the Parsons Police Legacy Fund, along with proceeds generated through the annual Guardians of the Greens Charity Golf Tournament, Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks explained.

With an additional 50% matching contribution from the Hughes Family Grant, the total value of the scholarship endowment is now $15,000. The principal amount invested in endowed funds cannot be accessed. Instead, they remain in place and only interest from the funds can be distributed, ensuring the fund’s ability to provide indefinitely. As the endowed scholarship fund grows, so does the interest amount to be distributed to scholarship recipients.

The PPD believes the growing endowment demonstrates what can be accomplished when a community invests in its young people.

"The purpose of the Legacy Fund has always been about looking beyond today and asking what we can do now that will make Parsons stronger in the future," Chief Spinks said in a press release. "This scholarship is a perfect example of that mission. Every person who has donated, sponsored a team, played in the golf tournament, or supported one of our events has helped build something that will continue giving back long after we are gone. That is what creating a legacy is all about."

McIntosh's selection marks an important milestone for the scholarship, Lieutenant Jason Ludwig said: “The endowment was created not simply to provide financial assistance, but to encourage students who demonstrate an interest in leadership, service, criminal justice, law enforcement, and making a positive impact in their communities.

"Seeing Natalie become the first recipient is what makes all of the work behind the scenes worthwhile," Ludwig added. "The $15,000 endowment is something we are extremely proud of, but the real measure of success is the students it helps. Natalie will always have the distinction of being the first Legacy in Leadership Scholar, and we hope she is the first of many students this fund will support for generations to come."

“It’s been an honor to work closely with the leadership of the Parsons Police Department,” LCC Foundation Executive Director Lindi Forbes said. “They take their oath to serve and protect very seriously, and this is another meaningful way they’re serving our community. By investing in LCC students, they are helping develop future leaders and are setting an example that inspires others. Chief Spinks has set an ambitious goal to continue growing the Parsons Police Department Legacy Scholarship until it’s the biggest scholarship at LCC. His motivation is to help as many students as possible. That kind of commitment to our college and community is truly remarkable.”

McIntosh said the Parsons Police Legacy in Leadership Endowed Scholarship is one of three she qualified for through LCC, helping reduce the cost of acquiring her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice.

To learn more about this scholarship and others available to LCC students visit https://www.labette.edu/financialaid/scholarships/index.html.