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.
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.”