Labette Community College announced the establishment of the Pete and Mary Hughes Endowed Scholarship, along with a $75,000 matching fund pool expanding scholarship opportunities for future students. This initiative honors the Hughes family’s deep-rooted legacy of service and commitment to education in Southeast Kansas.
Thanks to a generous unrestricted gift from the estate, the LCC Foundation was able to establish an endowed scholarship in their name and designate the remaining $75,000 to launch a matching program to inspire others to give back.
This fund will provide a 50% match for new endowed scholarships at LCC, encouraging donors to invest in students’ futures. Contributions of $5,000 or more will be eligible for matching, with a maximum of $2,500 per scholarship, allowing for the creation of up to 30 new endowed scholarships.
“This initiative will honor Pete and Mary’s remarkable legacy through scholarships that will be given in their name in perpetuity,” said Lindi Forbes, executive director of the LCC Foundation & Alumni Association. “It will also extend their lifelong mission of community support by inspiring others to invest in education and help students for generations to come.”
The Hughes family supports the initiative. Their daughter, Megan Hughes, shared, “Our family loves this idea. My siblings and I know this is exactly what our parents would have wanted — something that continues their passion for helping others, supporting the community and growing opportunities for students.”
The Hughes family has been an integral part of LCC’s history. Rees H. Hughes, Pete’s father, was instrumental in founding the college, while Pete and Mary Hughes dedicated their lives to community service, education and civic engagement. Their contributions to local organizations, education, and cultural events, such as the Katy Days Festival, have left a lasting impact on Parsons and beyond.
The matching fund pool will be available on a first-paid, firstserved basis until the funds are fully allocated. LCC encourages donors and community members to take advantage of this opportunity to create new scholarships and maximize their impact.
This initiative comes when 80% of LCC’s degree seeking students qualify for financial aid, demonstrating just how critical scholarships are to student success. Many of these students face significant financial barriers to completing their education, and additional scholarships will help ensure they can stay enrolled and reach their goals.
The LCC Foundation invites alumni, businesses and community members to consider establishing an endowed scholarship through this matching program. By participating, donors will not only receive a boost to their scholarship fund but will also leave a lasting impact on students for generations to come.
For more information, please contact the Labette Community College Foundation & Alumni Association director at [email protected].
The seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration is set to bring Irish cheer and lively festivities to downtown Parsons on Saturday, March 15.
This year’s festivities include the St. Patrick’s Church CYM 5K run/walk, a best dressed lad and lassie contest, various children’s activities, and live music featuring Final Warning.
A common consumption area will allow attendees to enjoy their favorite beverages from Kitchen Pass or El Pueblito while strolling through the festivities.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a staple for the event, will begin at 1 p.m. in downtown Parsons. This year’s parade boasts several floats from local organizations and businesses, a performance by the Vikings Dance and Color Guard and the return of the Central High School Kiltie Drum and Bugle Corps from Springfield, Missouri (the oldest, female, uniformed, Scottish drum and bugle corps in the United States).
Wear your best green attire and join in the fun as the community comes together for this annual celebration.
For more information, follow PK St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration on social media, or contact pkstpatricksdayparade@ gmail.com.
