Evans Scholarships awarded to three Rolling Green caddies
Three high school students who caddied at Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights have been awarded the Evans Scholarship, a full, four-year housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies.
Each caddie has a unique story, reflecting the scholarship's four selection criteria: a strong caddie record; excellent academics; demonstrated financial need; and outstanding character. They will begin college in fall 2017. The scholarship is valued at an estimated $100,000 over four years.
Recipients are:
• Kyle Kornblum of Arlington Heights: The Rolling Meadows High School student was awarded the Evans Scholarship to Indiana University, where he plans to study accounting or finance. He enjoys playing basketball and volleyball and was named captain of his high school golf team.
"I began caddying as a shy and quiet boy," Kyle said. "After three years, I have grown into a mature, responsible and confident young man. The members at Rolling Green Country Club know that I work hard as their caddie, and I truly enjoy the experience. I am honored to be named an Evans Scholar."
• Charlie Siefke of Mount Prospect: The Prospect High School student was awarded the Evans Scholarship to Miami University, where he plans to study mechanical engineering. He is a member of the Wagon Masters Model Railroad Club and hopes to pursue a career in the railroad industry.
Charlie said, "The Chick Evans Scholarship will help me achieve my goals of earning a mechanical engineering degree at a top-tier university. It is an honor to be named a recipient of the Evans Scholarship, and I am thankful for this opportunity to pursue my dreams."
• Dominika Wojtowicz of Mount Prospect: The Prospect High School student was awarded the Evans Scholarship to Indiana University, where she plans to study marketing. Two of Dominika's siblings, Adrian and Damian, are Evans Scholars at Purdue University.
Dominika said, "I have seen the Evans Scholarship immensely impact the lives of so many students across the country, including both of my brothers. I take my future college education very seriously, and I realize how tremendous of an honor it is to become an Evans Scholar."
"Each of these deserving Evans Scholars epitomizes what our program has been about since its creation in 1930," said WGA Chairman David Robinson. "Their dedication, hard work and sacrifice is humbling, and we are honored to be able to help them pursue their dreams."
The Western Golf Association has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. One of golf's leading charities, it is the nation's largest scholarship program for caddies.
A record 935 caddies are enrolled in 20 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 10,400 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles "Chick" Evans, Jr.
To learn more about the WGA and ESF, visit www.wgaesf.org.