Seven Dallas ISD Seniors Receive Fairway to Success Scholarships
Taylor Coffelt • May 21, 2020
· Educational program tops $1.2 million in awards over past decade
· Funding comes from Deloitte partners, principals, managing directors and professionals in North Texas
· Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded
DALLAS [May 19, 2020] – 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 $1.2 million to local students over the past decade. Again in 2020, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), a full, four-year scholarship to the university was awarded to one deserving student.
Tim Fields, Lupita Gullien-Salinas, Marcela Landin, Jacqueline Miranda, Marysol Ortega and Josue Rosa
each received a $20,000 college scholarship, and Ruth Leija was awarded the UNT Dallas-funded scholarship. During the COVID-19 crisis, awarding scholarships to deserving students was a priority for each involved organization. With the safety of the students and their families in mind, the annual awards breakfast typically held in early May to honor recipients has been postponed until a date to be determined in July.
“In the last decade, Deloitte has seen the positive influence the Fairway to Success program has had on many students in North Texas. I am eager to see the successes of this year’s award recipients as they begin their college career,” said Dan Berner, North Texas managing partner, Deloitte LLP. “The program is built around learning disciplines of life through golf, and creating and leveraging a mentoring relationship. It culminates with the college scholarships being awarded to these deserving students.”
UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said the university is proud to join the Fairway to Success scholarship 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 said. “Congratulations to Ruth Leija, 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 2019-2020 school year, more than 192 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, 64 DISD students have received the scholarships, now topping $1.2 million – funded by 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 Fairway to Success Scholarship Program is uniquely impactful on our students and their families,” said Jennifer Tecklenburg, principal of W.W. Samuell High School. “The real value, though, is in the connections the students make through their mentors, fellow scholarship recipients, and those community members associated with the program. The students become part of an ever-growing family that embraces them, helps them grow, supports them through tough times, and celebrates their successes. ”
The 2020 scholarship recipients are:
Tim Fields – Lincoln High School
Tim Fields is a graduate of Lincoln High School and was top 10 in his class. He will be attending Texas A&M University – Commerce upon graduation and is planning to become a lawyer so he is able to help his family and community. Tim is a first-generation college student and is excited to be a role model for his younger siblings. During his time at Lincoln, Tim participated in the golf and track teams and was also a part of Student Council and National Honor Society.
Lupita Gullien–Salinas – W.W. Samuell High School
Lupita Gullien-Salinas is a graduate from the Early College High School at W.W. Samuell High School. Lupita will be attending The University of North Texas at Dallas and plans to study education. As a first-generation college student, she is excited to start this next step of her life to help her community and empower future generations. Lupita was involved in many extracurricular activities in school, such as Student Council, Earth Club, Art Club, Rap Club and Japanese Club. During her junior year, she began working and held several jobs at a time. Lupita is also a self-proclaimed writer and has written two novels and a poetry book.
Marcela Landin – Thomas Jefferson High School
Marcela Landin is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and is the first member of her family to graduate high school. She will be continuing her education at Albion College in Michigan and plans to major in history, with the goal to enter the workforce in immigration law. During her time at Thomas Jefferson, Marcela was a four-year member of JROTC and was chosen as the Battalion Commander for Thomas Jefferson and the Brigade Command Sergeant Major for Dallas ISD. Marcela also served as secretary for National Honor Society and Student Council, while also being involved with the Community Service Club. Marcela says coming from a predominantly Latino community helped her develop a passion for law and social justice.
Ruth Leija – W.W. Samuell High School
Ruth Leija is a graduate of W.W. Samuell’s Early College High School and will be attending The University of North Texas at Dallas as the FTS/UNT Dallas scholarship recipient and a first-generation college student. She plans to pursue a business degree with a focus on supply chain management. Ruth completed an internship with On-Target Supply during high school which led her to study supply chain management. During her time at W.W. Samuell, Ruth was president of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) and Academic Decathlon, and was also captain of the golf team and secretary of the Mock Trial team. Ruth was also the parliamentarian of the National Honor Society.
Jacqueline Miranda – W.W. Samuell High School
Jacqueline Miranda, valedictorian for W. W. Samuell High School’s Class of 2020, will be attending The University of North Texas next year to study business with a concentration in real estate. Jacqueline has been involved in a diverse array of school organizations and volunteer activities. She is District-3 Secretary for LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), treasurer of her chapter's National Honor Society, former captain on her junior varsity cross-country team and manager of the varsity soccer team. Jacqueline was also involved in Student Council, TRIO Talent Search, Upward Bound, and swimming. When she is not planning events for these organizations, she can be found running on her school’s track or spending time with her family. Outside of school, Jacqueline is very involved in her community and participates in cleaning up parks and volunteering at food pantries. With her degree, Jacqueline’s goal is to open her own business and provide members of her community with more affordable housing.
Marysol Ortega – Thomas Jefferson High School
Marysol Ortega is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and will be attending The University of North Texas to pursue a degree in kinesiology with a minor in psychology. After college, she hopes to become an athletic trainer or physical trainer. She has a strong passion for running and was part of the Thomas Jefferson track and cross-country teams. If she is not running, she can be found on the volleyball court. Marysol also served as the vice president of National Honor Society and the senior class.
Josue Rosa – Thomas Jefferson High School
Josue Rosa is a first-generation student and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He will be attending Texas A&M University’s, Mays Business School and intends to study management. Josue was a part of the first Early College High School Cohort at Thomas Jefferson High School and has been involved with programs such as the Emerging Latino Leadership Program and Theatre. Additionally, he founded his own organization at his community college called MOVE Brookhaven. Josue is excited to serve as a role model for his younger cousins as he goes off to Texas A&M University.
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