Rolling Green caddie earns Chick Evans scholarship

The hits just keep coming for Lindsay Valentino, 17, of Arlington Heights.

The Prospect High School senior recently was named to the Daily Herald Leadership, and just days later she learned she was accepted early to the University of Notre Dame. (The full leadership team will be featured in Neighbor Jan. 9.)

Her latest achievement came last week, when Valentino heard she had won the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship renewable up to four years.

In Valentino's case, she hopes to apply her scholarship to Northwestern University, and live in its Scholarship House with other Evans Scholars, which makes it the equivalent of free room and board.

Officials at Rolling Green Country Club in Arlington Heights, who nominated Valentino, are thrilled.

"We're extremely happy for her and are sharing in her excitement," says Linda Ruff, caddie master.

Valentino's name will be added to the plaque that hangs in the clubhouse near its main dining room. She is the 46th caddie from the club to earn the Evans Scholarship since 1957, and only the sixth girl.

"Lindsay is an honor caddie," Ruff adds. "She is friendly and hard-working, and is well-liked by our membership and her co-workers."

Valentino follows in the footsteps of her older brother, Tom, who won the Evans Scholarship four years ago, and in May will obtain his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Illinois.

Their father, Terry Valentino is a captain with the Arlington Heights Fire Department, while their mother, Pam, works with antiques and collectibles. Their sister, Jill, is a sophomore at Hope College in Holland, Mich.

"I knew caddying would be challenging, but I knew I could do it," Lindsay says. "I didn't caddie with the sole purpose of attaining the scholarship, but it encouraged me not to give up, because I knew the opportunity was out there."

Just to qualify for the award, caddies must document at least two years of service, have an excellent academic record, demonstrate financial need, and have letters of recommendation from club members and officials.

"The whole thing starts with your first loop," Valentino says, "because you have to establish a good caddie record."

She concedes that getting to the club for the 5:45 a.m. draw on Saturdays and 6:15 a.m. draw on Sundays was challenging, but she kept her eye on the prize.

"I knew I had to go, if I wanted to get out," Valentino says. "It was a small price to pay."