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
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.
$268,000 Donated to Foundation
Doggett (a) and McIlwain (a) Share Low Amateur Honors Walts Finishes as Top PGA Professional
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