Wade Parker Honored as LCC Alumnus of the Year

Wade Parker

(Lamar, Colorado; May 5, 2014) Lamar Community College honored its 2014 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year at Antelope Night on Friday, May 2, 2014. Head Baseball Coach Scott Crampton gave an introduction for Wade Parker that had most of the audience in tears. Wade’s Parents, Danny and Michelle, were present to receive the award in his honor. Mr. Parker told of Wade’s character and his hopes and dreams for his future.

A native of Chino Valley, Arizona, Wade Scott Parker was born on October 30, 1990. He graduated from Chino Valley High School in 2009.  He attended LCC in 2009-2010 and was a member of the Runnin’ Lopes Baseball team.  At the end of the 2010 spring semester, he chose to return to Arizona to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter like his father.

Wade completed the Arizona Wildfire and Incident Management Academy after moving back to Arizona.

He joined the Granite Mountain Hotshots crew in 2012 and was Rookie of the Year his first season. He loved his crew like brothers and looked up to them.

Wade passed away with 18 of his fellow Granite Mountain Hotshot firefighters last summer in the Yarnell Hill Fire.

A motivated and driven young man, he loved competition and always gave 110 percent. Wade grew up an athlete, playing baseball and football from the time he was five years old. He played shortstop and was captain of the Chino Valley baseball team. He earned numerous awards and was a four-year letterman in baseball, making the All-State team. He also lettered in football, earning All-Region every year he played.

He was a natural leader; he didn’t demand respect but earned it. Wade was always there to help. He was a man of honor, integrity and wisdom beyond his years as well as an inspiration to younger boys.  Wade’s laughter was contagious, and he had a zest for life.

Wade grew up very involved in church and was a mentor in his youth group and in his community, as well as a spiritual team leader on his baseball teams.

His family was important to him, and he was engaged to be married. Wade was a devoted son, uncle, and brother.

His legacy will live on in Arizona with his friends and family and at LCC with baseball scholarships that bear his name and reward young men of character, integrity, and talent.

In his acceptance, Dan Parker talked about Wade’s fond memories of his time in Lamar and how he “became a man” through his academic and athletic experiences at LCC.  The Parkers presented Coach Crampton with a framed print of a prayer Wade penned while at LCC.

Lamar Community College is proud to recognize Wade Parker as its 2014 Alumnus of the Year.

For more information regarding LCC’s alumni awards or to nominate former students and graduates who have made a difference in their spheres of influence, see www.lamarcc.edu/alumni or 719.336.1520.