Seven Dallas ISD seniors receive Fairway to Success scholarships
NTPGA • May 7, 2018
• Educational program tops $1 million in awards over past decade
• Funding comes from Deloitte North Texas partners, principals and professionals
• Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship added for first time
DALLAS –
Deloitte, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and United Way today announced seven recipients of this year’s Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarships, a program that now has awarded more than $1 million to local students over the past decade. Added this year, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), is a full, four-year scholarship to the university.
Honored May 7 at the Lakewood Country Club were six Dallas Independent School District (DISD) students: -Daniel Akwei, Ashley Crispin, Elia Espinosa, Juwon Grant, Francheska Johnson and Sonya Soto – each receiving a $20,000 college scholarship. Another DISD student, Tyra Shockley, was awarded the new UNT Dallas-funded scholarship.
“Fairway to Success gives those most in need a real opportunity to go to college. Even more than that, the program is invested in all of the participating students and sees that they have access to the tools and guidance our people can offer to help them on that pathway to success,” said Jason Downing, North Texas managing partner and Central region market leader at Deloitte.
UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said the university is proud to join the Fairway to Success scholarship program.
“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 said. “Congratulations to Tyra Shockley, who will receive a full four-year scholarship to UNTD, and congratulations to all of the scholarship winners from DISD. Thank you to Deloitte and to the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation for their commitment to providing youth in our community with opportunities for education.”
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 covers three DISD high schools – W.W. Samuell, Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln – and includes introducing students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.
During the 2017-2018 school year, more than 155 DISD students took part in a five week after-school golf program in the fall and spring. They learned the basics of golf from PGA golf professionals, and graduating seniors who qualified by participating in the program had the chance to apply for the scholarships.
Fairway to Success also includes mentorship to support 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.
So far, 51 DISD students have received the scholarships, now topping $1 million – funded by Deloitte partners, principals and professionals in North Texas.
The NTPGA also employs two Fairway to Success recipients as interns each summer. It furthers the intern’s golf education that began on their high school campuses through Fairway to Success.
“The Fairway to Success Scholarship program has successfully bridged the financial gap for amazing college-bound students. The program has assisted economically disadvantaged students who excelled academically and socially to attend a university or college. Students selected for the program have become independent, committed and active leaders in the community,” said Tammy Wheeler, lead counselor, W.W. Samuell High School.
The 2018 scholarship recipients are:
Francheska Johnson - Lincoln High School
Francheska is ranked sixth in her class at Lincoln High School, where she is a student in the Communications/Humanities magnet program. She has been in the Lincoln band all four years and is the French Horn section leader. Francheska also participated on the softball team. Through the Communications magnet, Francheska has written, directed and edited films in each of the last two Dallas International Film Festivals, as well as performed in the yearly DISD One-Act plays, from which she was picked to be in the all-star cast. In addition, she works 30 hours a week in retail. Francheska will attend Clark Atlanta University this fall, where she will major in mass media arts and focus on directing and producing.
Juwon Grant - Lincoln High School
Earning honors within the Boys and Girls Club, being an active member in Speech, and also having a part-time job might sound like a busy schedule for some, but that didn’t stop Juwon Grant from thriving at Lincoln High School and becoming President of Lincoln High School’s Choir. Juwon has been a member of choir all four years of high school where he performs for both the community and the school. This first generation college student has never accepted loss as a failure, but an opportunity to learn. He looks to his mentor, Pastor Melvin Howell who has been an inspiration and influence on his life. Juwon strives take that guidance and be a positive role model for his three siblings. This fall, Juwon will attend The University of North Texas at Dallas and pursue a degree in supply chain management.
Ashley Crispin - W.W. Samuell High School
Ashley Crispin has accomplished the goal she set in 3rd grade; she is graduating as Valedictorian of her class at W.W. Samuell High School. On top of this accomplishment, Ashley is graduating with her associate’s degree from Eastfield College and 65 college credits, as part of the Early College High School program she sought out entering the ninth grade. Ashley is Vice President of the National Honor Society, President of her Early College class and a member of the Earth Club. Her drive and maturity will serve her well when she begins her accounting and finance studies at either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Dallas as a first generation college student. Ashley plans to graduate in four years with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Tyra Shockley - W.W. Samuell High School
Tyra is a resilient, confident and gritty young woman thriving at W.W. Samuell High School. She is the senior class secretary, captain of the JV cheerleading team (which she only took up this year) and was captain of the volleyball team. Her leadership abilities are based on being a good communicator and treating others with empathy and kindness, evident in her plan to donate back her prom dress to Samuell for another young woman to use next year. On top of all her school activities, Tyra works 30 hours a week and commutes 20 miles a day each way to get to school and work. As the first UNT-Dallas Fairway to Success scholarship recipient, Tyra will pursue a degree in public health beginning this fall.
Daniel Akwei - Thomas Jefferson High School
Daniel Akwei is the youngest of six children. When he was 13 years old, he and his family immigrated to the United States from Ghana and he has worked to take advantage of all the opportunities that allow him to learn, explore, and achieve goals. In addition to speaking five languages, Daniel has been a volunteer with many organizations including Communities in School and The Salvation Army. His work ethic does not end there; he has also been an intern for the Dallas ISD Communication and Marketing Department for the past two summers where he has learned the value of hands on experience. Daniel is a highly motivated individual who is passionate about helping people around him. This fall he plans to further his education at either the University of North Texas at Dallas or the University of Texas at Arlington.
Elia Espinosa - Thomas Jefferson High School
With a 3.8 GPA, Elia is ranked fourth in her graduating class of 361 students at Thomas Jefferson High School. In addition to outstanding academics, Elia has maintained remarkable involvement within her school including President of both the National Honor Society and Chinese Club. She is also Captain of the Golf team where she earned Most Valuable Player of 2017 and was the individual district champion. Elia has spent her high school career in the JROTC program where she is currently a Cadet Captain. Elia is the definition of a role model to her peers and her younger sister; she represents resilience and fierce determination no matter what circumstances may be. For these reasons, Elia will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall where she will enlist with Corps of Cadets with aspirations of one day becoming a commercial pilot.
Sonya Soto - Thomas Jefferson High School
The fifth ranked student in her class, Sonya Soto has overcome all odds to find much success in her young life. As the editor-in-chief of the Thomas Jefferson yearbook, Sonya coordinated and edited the entire 2018 production. She is also the Vice President of the Chinese Club as well as a member of the Emerging Latino Leaders program and National Honor Society. In addition, she works 25 hours a week. Looking to her mother as her motivation, Sonya has developed an unmatched ambition to be successful in everything that she does. Her love of animals has led her to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in animal sciences, to become a veterinarian.
About the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation
Founded in 1983, the nationally acclaimed Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is committed to introducing, promoting and growing the game of golf to a diverse group of kids in North Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known. Each year close to 10,000 children and their families are impacted by the game that lasts a lifetime through a full circle of programs and services including:
• Introduction – Golf in Schools, Fairway to Success After School Program, Drive, Chip and Putt and Summer Golf Camps
• Playing – Team and PGA Junior League Golf, Prep and Medalist Levels and All American Tour – 450+ tournaments per year
• Education – College Scholarships – $2.06M distributed including $265,000 awarded in 2017
• Employment – Internship Program, Fairway to Success After School Program and Summer Golf Camps
• Philanthropy – Ewing Charity Classic, Birdies for Kids, the Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am and the Royal Oaks’ Great 108
The Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation is governed by the Northern Texas PGA Board of Directors.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them.
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About the University of North Texas at Dallas
The University of North Texas at Dallas empowers students, transforms lives and strengthens communities. Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the Downtown Dallas skyline, UNT Dallas is the only public, accredited 4-year university in the City of Dallas. UNT Dallas includes the UNT Dallas College of Law in Downtown Dallas and is part of the UNT System.
Photo of 2018 Scholarship Recipients:
From left to right: Lincoln High School’s Juwon Grant & Francheska Johnson, W.W. Samuell High School’s Tyra Shockley & Ashley Crispin, Thomas Jefferson High School’s Sonya Soto, Elia Espinosa & Daniel Akwei
From left to right: Sa'Mareion Tucker, Matisse Edwards, Daisy Navarro, Leibi Chavira Reyes, Yvette Altamirano, Abril Guerrero, Ariel Meza Meza. (not pictured is Camyre' Williams who was unable to attend the banquet)
del Olmo Delivers in the Senior Division
Frisco, Texas (June 9, 2026) – The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2026 scholarship recipients. Ninety high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $947,500, breaking last year’s record by $184,500! Since its inception in 1983, the Foundation’s scholarship program has now reached an incredible milestone, surpassing 1,000 scholarships awarded for a lifetime total of nearly $7.5 million in student support. “What amazing numbers these are!” said Northern Texas PGA Chief Executive Officer Mark Harrison. “The growth and support we have seen for our scholarship program over the last few years is remarkable, and truly unmatched. I want to thank all of our partners who make this year-over-year record possible, and I also want to congratulate and wish the best of luck to the young men and women who have worked diligently throughout high school to receive one of our scholarships this year. I know they will go on to do great things.” The 2026 scholarship amounts vary from $2,500 to $20,000. In addition, two students were awarded a “last-dollar” full scholarship to two of the Foundation’s partner schools, the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) and the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and one student was awarded a full-ride scholarship to the University of North Texas, which is a new partner school for this year. Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients: A.B. Crockroft Memorial Scholarship Saydi Durbin – Mart High School Ethan Hocking – Mart High School Allison and Jerry Freeman Scholarship Niko Klassen – Homeschool ANNIKA Foundation Scholarship Alicia Bellendir – Coppell High School April and Mark Anthony Scholarship Huey Black – Canyon High School Baylor Scott & White Scholarship Garrick Ly – Lone Star High School Aliya Rasheed – Panther Creek High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Fred & Michele Reynolds Scholarship Jeffery Rubenstein – Highland Park High School Ben Hogan Foundation / Lillie Biggins Scholarship Mikayla Martin – Homeschool Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike McMahan Scholarship Adam Strauss – Greenhill School Ben Hogan Foundation / Mike Wright Scholarship Gracie Ellis – Clarendon High School Birdies For Kids Scholarship Sydnee Fain – Midland High Jade Mara – Argyle High School Cameron Doan NTPGA Golf Professional of the Year Scholarship Landon Reece – Mildred High School CJ Corporation Scholarship Katherine Bustetter – Centennial High School Harper Mallonee – Highland Park High School Luke Martin – Rockwall-Heath High School Delaney Newberry – Highland Park High School Yunjae Park – Prosper High School Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Yvette Altamirano – W. W. Samuell High School Matisse Edwards – David W. Carter High School Abril Guerrero – Thomas Jefferson High School Ariel Meza Meza – Thomas Jefferson High School Sa'Mareion Tucker – Lincoln High School Camyre' Williams – Lincoln High School Destination Grapevine Texas Women's Open Scholarship Audrey McCallum – Colleyville Heritage High School Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship Cameron Warner – Wakeland High School Ewing Automotive Scholarship Hannah Antunes – China Spring High School Avery Jones – Homeschool Fore Frisco Scholarship Amara Okafor – Lone Star High School Rajdeep Singh – Panther Creek High School Lauryn Spraggs – Panther Creek High School Nikki Zahedi – Lone Star High School Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship Alan Ocampo – Thomas Jefferson High School Fritz and Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship Taylor Carr – McKinney Boyd High School Giveback Foundation Scholarship Jelani Johnson Simon – Panther Creek High School Evan Tupper – Lone Star High School Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship Keegan Batla – Garden City High School Darby Ehrbar – Flower Mound High School Tyson Embry – Marcus High School Caroline Fent – Ursuline Academy of Dallas Riley Gudgeon – Hebron High School Xiyu Mei – Walnut Grove High School Jude Robbins – Wakeland High School I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship De'Asia Williams – David W. Carter High School Jackie Cupit Scholarship Brody Callens – White Oak High School Jerry Andrews Scholarship Dylan Wisener – Sachse High School Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship Max Cearley – Rockwall High School Brooks Head – Coppell High School Reed Heilig – Flower Mound High School Brooklynn Landrumm – Melissa High School Van Leugers – Rockwall High School Haylie Moore – Burleson Centennial High School Bryan Sargent – Walnut Grove High School Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship Jacob Mekelburg – Maypearl High School Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship William Wampler – Canton High School Jon and Kim Morgan Scholarship Aashi Vakta – Justin Wakeland High School Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship Damir Ali – Thomas Jefferson High School Marely Angeles – Lincoln High School Dayanara Aquino – W.W. Samuell High School Montrell Horner – Lincoln High School Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship Anisaa Abdullah – Emmett J. Conrad High School Reagan Lorenson – McKinney North High School Daphny Moore – Keene High School M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship Samuel Fate – Tyler Legacy High School Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship Anabelle Floriani – Lone Star High School Miss Katie Scholarship Gloria Solis – Thomas Jefferson High School Never Stop Believing Scholarship Annabeth Boyd – Trinity Preparatory Academy Perry Arthur Scholarship Faith Hughes – Community Christian School Philip Bleakney Scholarship Samuel Williams – Vilonia High School Randy Smith Scholarship Carson Niemann – Byron Nelson High School Ronny Glanton Scholarship Addison Akers – Bryan Adams High School Ronny Golf Park Scholarship Madison Bixler – Lone Star High School Riaan Nazrul – Panther Creek High School Carlo Rogers – Panther Creek High School Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship Kian Sköld – Frisco High School Scottie and Meredith Scheffler Scholarship Austin Morrissette – Northwest High School Addelyn Schwarzlose – Tascosa High School Sherrill Park / Two Dads and a Coach Scholarship Kristin Coffman – Berkner High School Tehan Scholarship Cooper Knapp – Wylie High School The CJ Cup Byron Nelson Scholarship Aiden Tiet – Garland Christian Academy UNT / Fore Frisco Scholarship Kayla Rochez – Panther Creek High School UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Daisy Navarro – W.W. Samuell High School UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship Leibi Chavira Reyes – W.W. Samuell High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring Jenny Cox Claire Smiley – Amarillo High School West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring S.A. Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure, and Sherwin Cox Gunnar Barrera – Levelland High School Three additional scholarship winners will be announced later this June, with recipients selected via random drawings at two upcoming events. First, the Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am fundraising tournament will award a $5,000 scholarship to a participating recent graduate. Later in the month, the S.A. Smith West Texas Junior Invitational will host a drawing for two $2,500 memorial scholarships in honor of Jerry D. Smith, one awarded to a male participant and one to a female participant.
FRISCO, Texas (June 2, 2026) – Following a milestone celebration of their 20-year partnership this May, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and Ewing Automotive Group are proud to announce a five-year extension of their agreement. This agreement ensures the Ewing Automotive Group will remain a key supporter of golf in North Texas through 2030. Under the extended terms, Ewing Automotive Group will continue as the title sponsor of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and its three competitive tours. As one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States, the Junior Tour serves approximately 4,500 members (ages 6–19) and conducts more than 450 tournaments annually. The pathway includes The Prep Tour powered by Ewing Subaru of Plano, The Medalist Tour powered by Ewing Buick GMC, and The All American Tour powered by Mercedes-Benz of Plano. A recent addition to the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour is the Randy Smith Tour . This non-competitive tour is a beginner-friendly tour focused on fun, teamwork, and learning, and is the first step on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour pathway. Since the partnership’s inception in 2006, the scope of junior golf in the region has expanded significantly. The Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour has hosted over 6,565 tournaments and facilitated approximately 365,000 rounds of golf. Annual event totals have more than doubled, rising from 200 tournaments in 2006 to 457 in 2025. Beyond the numbers, the Junior Tour has become a premier proving ground for elite talent. Alumni of the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour have secured nine Major Championships, including titles won by Scottie Scheffler (4), Jordan Spieth (3), Angela Stanford (1), and Brittany Lang (1). Remarkably, since 2006, NTPGA Junior Tour alumni have produced more major champions than entire nations, including England, Australia, Spain, and South Africa. The extension also reaffirms Ewing Automotive Group’s commitment to the Northern Texas PGA Foundation through the continued hosting of the Ewing Charity Classic. Over the past 30 years, the Ewing Charity Classic and its predecessor, The Westcott Pro-Am, have raised over $6.3 million to support community outreach programs. Furthermore, the "Closest-to-the-Hole" contest, a tradition started by Fin Ewing III in 2012 to recognize and thank participating PGA professionals, will continue through 2030 by awarding a new car for first place and cash prizes for second and third places in the shootout. “Learning to play golf as a child was an incredible blessing that provided priceless time with my father and brother,” said Finley Ewing IV, CEO of Ewing Automotive Group. “We credit golf for our close family relationships, and that passion eventually led to scholarships at Vanderbilt and Texas Tech for my brother, Charlie, and me, providing access to amazing opportunities. We are honored to help provide that same foundation for the next generation.” The partnership extension also secures vital funding for the NTPGA Foundation’s scholarship program. Two Ewing Automotive Group scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded annually to graduating seniors. This contribution supports a program that has grown from $62,000 in total annual giving in 2006 to $947,500 in 2026. “Simply put, we could not achieve our mission at the Northern Texas PGA without the unwavering support of Fin Ewing III and his family,” said Mark Harrison, CEO of the Northern Texas PGA. “The Ewing name is synonymous with golf in North Texas, but more importantly, the family represents the very best of our community. Their generosity allows us to go above and beyond in serving our PGA professionals and growing the game. We are thrilled to formally extend this partnership, but even more grateful to continue the friendship through the end of the decade and well beyond.”