Parker Spindle Genuine Heart Scholarship

The Parker Spindle Memorial Fund was established in 2021 by his parents Rob Spindle and Jenelle Spindle to remember Parker and his genuine heart as well as to provide additional funding for social emotional/mental health programs, training or staffing in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools. 

Parker Spindle, at the age of 21 passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Parker was an old soul for a young man, and understood better than anyone and even wrote once in an essay that "Everyone longs for human interaction. We all need companions. We all need to be recognized." While he found peace with animals, especially with his dog Hendricks, his kind, genuine heart touched everyone he knew. His friends and family, whom he loved fiercely and loyally, were everything to him. He was most himself when by Lake Michigan, on the soccer field, or casting a fishing line into the water. A perfect day for Parker would be at the beach of Lake Michigan, with great waves and glistening water; surrounded by his family, cousins, and best friends; listening to music, sharing random sports knowledge and cheering on the U of M. Parker was a 2019 graduate of East Grand Rapids High School and attended University of Dayton. Parker’s greatest legacy is his genuine heart and compassion for others.

About the Scholarship

The scholarship will be given annually to one or more graduating seniors in the East Grand Rapids Public Schools to be used for post-secondary educational opportunities.  The recipient(s) will be recognized at the EGRPS Senior Honors Assembly in May each year.

This scholarship is inclusive in all aspects and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.

Criteria and Considerations. 

The Parker Spindle Genuine Heart Scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more graduating seniors who exhibit many of the following qualities or attributes:

•          A genuine heart and great compassion for others
•          A passion for school spirit and community spirit
•          A strong impact on those around him, but maybe not a strong presence
•          A student, but maybe not one who has academics as their main focus
•          A team player and always a team cheerleader
•          Supporter of many from old to young and friend to family

The amount of the scholarship generally will be one thousand dollars ($1,000) and will be written to the award winner and the named post-secondary institution.

The East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation’s Executive Director, and representatives from EGRHS, including an administrator and guidance counselor will review the nominations and select from those nominees at an agreed upon selection meeting prior to the honors assembly for seniors.  Nominations can be made by EGRPS staff or students.

The deadline for nominations is March 1.