Eight Dallas ISD Seniors Receive Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarships

Molly Rawlins • June 6, 2023

> Educational program tops $2.2 million in awards

> Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded

> Four-year University of Texas at Arlington scholarship awarded

DALLAS, TX – Today, Deloitte, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and United Way celebrated the eight recipients of this year’s Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarships, a program that has now awarded more than $2.2 million to local students.

 

Cithlaly Crispin, Shane Davis, Doris Gradiz, Rachelle Gutierrez, Jose Loredo Quintana and Emily Silva each received a $20,000 college scholarship.

 

In collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), a full, four-year scholarship to the university was awarded to Eh Tu Gae.

 

UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said the university is proud to be a part of the Fairway to Success program for another year. “Our growing urban university is built on the belief that everyone should have access to education, and that’s what this program is all about,” Mong stated.

 

Additionally, in collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), a full, four-year scholarship was awarded to Joshua Puga.

 

“The University of Texas at Arlington is honored to partner with the Fairway to Success program. The leadership skills developed, the business acumen gained, the esprit de corps developed, and the soft skills participants hone are beyond measure in their lifelong learning. Students are equipped to carve out their own space as they follow their career pathways and make their dreams a reality,” said Anna Michele Bobadilla, University of Texas at Arlington, Senior Associate VP Outreach & Community Engagement.

 

Established in 2007, the Fairway to Success program annually awards scholarships to students based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. The program spans four DISD high schools – W.W. Samuell, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln and David W. Carter – and includes introducing students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.


“Deloitte is proud to continue to support the Fairway to Success program. We see firsthand the benefits of sponsoring and mentoring young people in the community and offer our enthusiastic support to this year’s scholarship recipients,” said Dan Berner, North Texas Managing Partner, Deloitte LLP. “I’m proud of the work our professionals have done to support these students this year. It’s our hope at Deloitte that the students continue to succeed and apply the skills they’ve learned – both in the classroom and on the golf course – to their future professional endeavors.”


During the 2022-2023 school year, 105 DISD students took part in a virtual six-week college prep program led by Deloitte professionals as well as an after-school golf program. Students learned the basics of golf from PGA professionals, and graduating seniors who qualified by participating in the program had the chance to apply for the scholarships.

 

Fairway to Success also includes a mentorship component to support the scholarship recipients throughout their college careers. Scholarship recipients interact with Deloitte mentors who share their insights gained from working in a professional services environment. Mentors also help students explore potential career opportunities in the business and STEM-focused fields of study.

 

Since the program’s inception, 88 DISD students have received scholarships, now topping $2.2 million – mostly funded through donations from Deloitte partners, principals, managing directors and professionals in North Texas.

 

The NTPGA also employs two Fairway to Success recipients as interns each summer, furthering the recipients’ golf education that began on their high school campuses through Fairway to Success.

 

The 2023 Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarship recipients are:


Cithlaly Crispin – Thomas Jefferson High School

 

Cithlaly is a 2023 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, ranked 2nd in the class, and a graduate from Brookhaven College with an associate's degree. This coming fall, Cithlaly will head to the University of North Texas at Denton to study media arts. While at Thomas Jefferson, Cithlaly was captain of the mock trial team, captain of the academic decathlon, president of Academic Success Program Ambassadors, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. On the journey off to UNT, meeting new people, learning new cultures, and portraying stories through filmmaking are the most exciting factors during the first year.

 

Shane Davis – David W. Carter High School

 

Shane is a 2023 graduate of Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center and will be heading to the University of Memphis this fall. At Memphis, Shane will be looking to study biology with a focus on sports medicine, a passion he wants to pursue because of the number of times he has injured himself while playing sports! As athletics is not offered at Yvonne, Davis, played varsity soccer and participated in cross country for Carter. He was part of a club soccer team and enjoys reading, online chess, and violin. He is looking forward to new experiences, meeting new people, and joining different clubs in Memphis.

 

 

Doris Gradiz – Thomas Jefferson High School

 

Doris is a 2023 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, ranked 7th in her class, as well as a graduate of Brookhaven College with an associate's degree. This upcoming fall, Doris will be attending the University of Texas at Austin with plans to major in education with a focus in history. While at Thomas Jefferson, Doris was part of chess, theater, modern band, the Academic Success Program, and mock trial. As she looks towards her time in Austin, she is excited to start a new chapter in her life and help as many people that come from the same background as her.

 

Rachelle Gutierrez – W.W. Samuell High School

 

Rachelle is a 2023 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School, ranked 4th in her class,  and also received her associate's degree from Eastfield College. This fall, she will head to the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a degree in interior architecture. She was part of her high school soccer team for all four years while being on the A-honor roll for two years straight. Rachelle has plenty of accomplishments and has done all of this while being the primary caretaker for her younger brother. At UTA, she is looking forward to building connections and establishing a pathway for her family's future.

 

Jose Loredo Quintana – W.W. Samuell High School

 

Jose is a 2023 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School, ranked 12th in his class, and also received his associate's degree from Eastfield College. He will head to the University of Texas at Arlington to pursue a degree in computer science this upcoming fall. Jose is looking forward to getting involved on campus and interacting with other students. He is interested in becoming a member of Eta Kappa Nu, which is an honor society for computer and electrical engineers.


Emily Silva – W.W. Samuell High School

 

Emily is a 2023 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School and also received her associate's degree from Eastfield College. She will be pursuing a degree in studio art at the University of Texas at San Antonio this fall. Emily has a passion for art and wants to help others express themselves through it. She is looking forward to pushing her limits and fully expressing herself at UTSA this upcoming fall.

 

Eh Tu Gae – Lincoln High School (UNT-D Recipient)

 

Eh Tu Gae is a 2023 graduate of Lincoln High School and is ranked 9th in his class. This fall, he will continue his education at the University of North Texas at Dallas where he plans to study criminal justice as well as be a part of the Army Reserves. During his time at Lincoln, he participated in film contests, was the captain of the soccer team, kicker for the football team, and a member of JROTC. He is looking forward to continuing his studies along with giving back to his community and being a great role model to his younger siblings.


Joshua Puga – David W. Carter High School (UTA Recipient)

 

Joshua Puga is a 2023 graduate of David W. Carter High School and will be headed to the University of Texas at Arlington. At UTA, Joshua will be pursuing graphic design as he enjoys drawing and being creative.  Joshua transferred to Carter his senior year and the biggest lesson he learned from that transition was to ask for help when he needed it. During his time at Carter, he was involved in varsity golf, student council, and was a member of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour. He is looking forward to inspiring others, meeting new people on campus, and learning new things.

Team of Murphy, Faulk Jr. Win Playoff to Capture 1st & 10th Tee Golf Energy Bar Pro-Junior Championship

By Erik Anderson • August 10, 2026
PLANO, Texas (August 10) – Seth Murphy, Associate at John Sikes Golf Academy and Thomas Faulk Jr. (a) captured the 1st & 10th Tee Golf Energy Bar Pro-Junior Championship title. The pair carded a 33-31–64, 8-under-par and made birdie on the first playoff hole. The pair began their round on the 8th hole and opened with a par. Six birdies on their next eight holes set them up for success for the first round. Their final nine holes were steady, with 7 pars and two birdies, but the bogey-free round was enough to get them into a two-team playoff against Ryan Grider, Associate at The Lakes at Castle Hills, and Colten Karstendiek (a). After a safe drive on the first playoff hole from Faulk Jr., Murphy was able to attack and had just 135 yards into the par-4 18th hole. He hit a pitching wedge to 10 feet and buried the putt. Murphy said, “He [Thomas] made about a 20-footer on our second hole, and that just put us on the pace we needed to get some momentum going. We gave ourselves lots of opportunities, double opportunities, where we were both putting for birdie, which is always nice. Just overall, we teamed very well today.” Faulk Jr added, “I started off hot and helped him out, and then when I was winding down, he got things going. We just made putts and pars when we needed to. It was just the team working.” Ryan Grider, Associate at The Lakes at Castle Hills, and Colten Karstendiek (a) fired 32-32–64 to finish in second place. Matt Weinberger, PGA senior director of member and amateur championships at PGA of America and Owen Layton (a) shot 31-35–66 to claim third place. The Championship featured 64 teams consisting of one PGA professional and one junior golfer between the ages of 7-19. The teams competed in a Four-Ball Stroke Play format. There was also a second division within the Championship where PGA professionals and their children competed for a separate title. The nine-team division was claimed for the third consecutive year by Jon Antunes, PGA director of instruction at Heart of Texas Golf Academy and his daughter Hannah Antunes (a) with a score of 34-34–68. For the professionals in the field today, there was a skins game with a $4,500 payout. Only one skin was earned today. Hanna Dickens, Associate at The Ronny Golf Park, made a birdie on hole 14 to earn the skin. The 1st & 10th Tee Golf Energy Bar Pro-Junior Championship was presented by CMC Design, PGA TOUR, and THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson.

Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am Benefits the Northern Texas PGA Foundation

By Logan Bearden • August 3, 2026
$268,000 Donated to Foundation

Watkins Goes Wire-to-Wire, Defends Title at the 56th M&P Group Texas State Open

By Erik Anderson • July 31, 2026
Doggett (a) and McIlwain (a) Share Low Amateur Honors Walts Finishes as Top PGA Professional

Watkins Maintains Lead, Field Closes Gap Heading into the Final Round of 56th M&P Group Texas State Open

By Erik Anderson • July 30, 2026
TYLER, Texas (July 30) – Matthew Watkins of Rockwall, TX, carded a third-round 35-35–70, even par, and maintains the 54-hole lead at the 56th M&P Group Texas State Open. After a 36-hole score of 61-61–122, Watkins sits at 18-under-par for the championship. “I just kind of hung in there on the front nine, shot even. Then, kind of had it going just a little bit on 10 through 12. It was just an up-and-down day overall,” said Watkins. Watkins held a 6-stroke lead heading into the third round, but the field has cut it to just four. “Definitely going to be a little different than going into today. Probably a lack of concentration problem today, but still hung in there well.” Last year, Watkins held the 54-hole lead and said he was battling some nerves. “I’m definitely more comfortable, but still have to have a good round tomorrow if I want to win. Four [shots] can happen in three holes,” Watkins added. Watkins will look to defend his title beginning at 9:50 tomorrow morning. There is a three-way tie for second at 14-under-par between Cameron Sisk of Scottsdale, AZ, Cooper Schultz of Wichita, KS, and John Sand of Irving, TX. Cameron Sisk is a former Arizona State University standout. He finished his career there as a three-time All-American, two top-ten finishes at the NCAA individual Championships and 14th in the PGA TOUR University rankings. Sisk found himself behind the pack early this week, but with a second round of 64 and a 32-33–65 in today’s third round, Sisk has climbed back into contention. On the 12 par 5s Sisk has played this week, he is 12-under-par and credited his play on those holes as the reason he is tied for second heading into tomorrow’s final round. “You really got to take care of the par 5s out here. There are a few tougher par 3s and par 4s out here, so as long as you birdie the gettable holes, you’ll be in good shape,” said Sisk. After his 63 yesterday, Cooper Schultz shot a bogey-free 33-33–66 to cut his eight-shot deficit in half today. Of the three players tied for second, Schultz will be the first one out tomorrow as he tees off right before the final group. “It’ll be nice, I won’t feel like I have to press or anything. I’m just going to try and take what the course gives me. If I end up shooting 9-under, then great, if I shoot 2-under, that’s fine too, but I’ll just stay within myself and play the game I know I can play,” said Schultz. John Sand fired a bogey-free, 32-32–64, good for the joint low round of the day. He finished strong with birdies on holes 14, 15 and 16. The week has been steady so far for Sand, with rounds of 66, 66, 64, he sits just four back of Watkins. Sand and Sisk will join Watkins at 9:50 a.m. tomorrow, while Schultz precedes them in the 9:40 a.m. grouping. Bret Gray, PGA Member, is in solo fifth after a round of 34-30–64 and is the Low PGA Professional in the championship. Gray graduated from Sam Houston State University’s golf management program last December. He holds a one-stroke lead over Chase Walts, PGA assistant professional at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, TX in the PGA Member Division. Gray said, “I’ve done a lot of preparation and practice for moments like this, so I’m excited to tee it up tomorrow.” Gray and Walts both tee off at 9:40 a.m. Blake Elliott of Bullard, TX, continues to climb the leaderboard after a third-round 31-34–65, 5-under-par that propelled him 18 spots up the championship leaderboard. His round moved him to 10-under-par and he currently sits tied for eleventh place. Elliott has been battling an injury this week, but continues to fight through it. “It is what it is at this point. My speed’s down right now and kind of flinching at it a couple of times here and there, but it is what it is.” Grant Doggett (a) of Beach City, TX, leads the Amateur Division at 6-under-par. His third round 33-36–69, 1-under-par has him tied for 32nd overall. Doggett (a) is the defending Low Amateur after finishing at 11-under-par and 12th place overall last year. Doggett (a) is a senior at the University of Houston and grew up playing golf on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour. He holds a one-stroke lead over the next closest amateur, Kaelen Dulany (a) of Keller, TX. The 56th M&P Group Texas State Open is a 72-hole stroke play event with a field of 156 professionals and amateurs. The 36-hole cut was made to the low 55 players and ties. 66 players (59 professionals and 7 amateurs) made the cut at 2-under-par and are competing for a $203,850 Championship purse. The champion, if a professional, will take home $40,000. The only amateur to win the Texas State Open was Homero Blancas in 1960. The final round starts at 8:00 a.m., and players will begin on the first and tenth holes and play in threesomes. This is the M&P Group’s fourth year as the title sponsor, and the Championship is presented by Joyce Crane and Higginbotham and supported by CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, Holiday Inn - Tyler Conference Center and Patterson Tyler. The championship is being played at Cascades Country Club for a record 15th time. Cascades Country Club Par: 35-35–70 Yardage: 6,882 yards