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

June 18, 2024
Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards

  • Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards
  • Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded
  • Four-year University of Texas at Arlington scholarship awarded


DALLAS and FRISCO, TX (June 18, 2024) – 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 $2.5 million to 96 Dallas ISD students over the past 17 years.


Alan De La Torre, Amy Lopez, Olayinka Ojo, Jocelyn Owens, Briana Perez and Stephanie Rodriguez each received a $20,000 college scholarship, which are funded through donations from Deloitte partners, principals, managing directors and professionals in North Texas.


Additionally, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), a full, four-year scholarship to the university was awarded to Jada Cole. And, Daisy Mondragon was awarded a full, four-year scholarship in collaboration with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).


“The University of Texas at Arlington is proud to collaborate with Deloitte and the Northern Texas PGA’s Fairways to Success.  The commitment and dedication to student success through access and opportunity have transformed the educational landscape in the region.  Congrats to this year’s scholars,” said 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 2023-2024 school year, 79 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.


“Year after year we are so incredibly proud of our students and the work they do. I cannot thank Fairway to Success enough for recognizing the work that these students have done as well. We know that all our students need to be successful is opportunity and support. As they graduate from high school and with their associate degree, Fairway to Success provides them with the opportunity to attend a 4-year institution through scholarships and the support they need through mentorship. I look forward to our continued collaboration for many years to come,” said Jason Jewell, Assistant Principal at W.W. Samuell High School.


The NTPGA also employs past 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 2024 Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarship recipients are:


Jada Cole – Lincoln High School (UNT-D Recipient)
Jada is a 2024 graduate of Lincoln High School. She will pursue higher education at the University of North Texas - Dallas with plans to study psychology. Jada was a multi-sport athlete at Lincoln and also served as captain for the wrestling and power-lifting teams. Jada competed in track and field, and this most recent season she set the district record for women's pole vaulting. Not only was Jada involved in athletics, but she also served as the historian for the school’s student council. This summer, she is interning with PepsiCo in the Human Resources department. 


Alan De La Torre – David W. Carter High School
Alan is a 2024 graduate of Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center and David W. Carter High School was his home school for athletics. Alan has yet to decide where he will be attending school in the fall but intends on studying physical therapy since his goal is to one day he would like to be a physical therapist for a professional sports organization. Alan has a strong passion for soccer and is hoping to continue his career in college. Alan is the first of his family to attend college, while also being a first-generation high school graduate. When asked about his experience with Fairway to Success, he said he most enjoyed learning patience when playing golf. While in high school, Alan completed an internship with The Dallas World Aquarium. 


Amy Lopez – Thomas Jefferson High School
Amy, valedictorian of the 2024 Thomas Jefferson High School class, will attend the University of Southern California in the fall. Amy is moving to the West Coast to study pharmacology/drug development. She grew this passion by studying with her sister who is currently a pharmacy tech. Her goal is to one day work for big pharma in research development. In her free time, Amy enjoys painting, specifically using acrylic, or watching Disney movies. 


Daisy Mondragon – W.W. Samuell High School (UTA Recipient)
Daisy, the salutatorian of the 2024 W.W. Samuell High School class, is heading to the University of Texas at Arlington to study architecture.  In her younger years, she developed an interest in architecture. Even though she is the youngest in her family, she will be the first to attend college. When asked about the Fairway to Success program, she mentioned that she enjoyed getting to know her classmates better while golfing. 


Olayinka Ojo – W.W. Samuell High School
Olayinka, originally from Nigeria, is a graduate of the Early College High School Program and W.W. Samuell High School. Olayinka has intentions to further her education at the University of Texas at Arlington or Texas Woman’s University on the pre-med track. In her free time, Olayinka enjoyed running track for Samuell High School, where she also was team captain. She also manages her schoolwork with a part-time job at IHOP. She has a genuine interest in helping kids and has set a goal of becoming a pediatrician. 


Jocelyn Owens – Lincoln High School
Jocelyn is a 2024 graduate of Lincoln High School. Upon graduation, she will be headed to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT-D). During her time at UNT-D, she will be a part of the track and field team and has the intention to study chemistry. Her career goal is to become a dentist. During high school, Jocelyn kept busy by being involved in the academic decathlon, e-sports club, and the local Boys & Girls Club. If she is not busy with school activities, she has a passion for cooking. This passion was introduced to her by her grandparents who operate a local catering business. The biggest lesson she learned while in high school is to take chances and not leave room for regret. 


Briana Perez – Thomas Jefferson High School
Briana is a 2024 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, as well as the P-Tech program, earning her associate's degree from Brookhaven College. This coming fall, Briana will be heading to Austin to attend the University of Texas and pursue studies in early childhood education. Briana was a part of the high school wrestling team and also worked El Rancho being promoted to head cashier. Briana wants to continue to be an example to her younger siblings by showing her leadership. 


Stephanie Rodriguez – W.W. Samuell High School
Stephanie, a 2024 graduate of W.W. Samuell High School and the Early College High School program, will attend the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to study international business with a focus on German. Currently, her sister is also attending UTA and studying for the same degree, which influenced Stephanie. She hopes to study abroad while in school and to one day be a project manager for a German company. Stephanie has also found a connection with the
Harry Potter series. Her sister introduced her to the series, and she stated that she feels a connection to them because of the mentor Harry had in Dumbledore is how she would describe how she views her older sister.


*Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of their legal structure.

June 18, 2024
Educational program tops $2.5 million in awards 
By Margaret Miller June 3, 2024
Scholarships Given Now Surpass $5 Million in Total
By Vincent Lopez April 4, 2024
The Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour will have three participants at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2024.The National Finals have been held the Sunday before The Masters since 2013 and has ingrained itself into the legendary traditions of the tournament and course. Dixie Mae Crain has competed on the NTPGA Junior Tour since 2019 and has shown steady improvement over the past five years. Although her experience on the Junior Tour has undoubtedly improved her game, there is another aspect of the tour that has aided her on her journey to Augusta. “Just getting the pressure from other people being there, like competitors and all that, just having that pressure,” said Crain. She hasn’t let the rush of being a National Finalist change her preparation however, “It’s really all about if you really get consistent. You just need to get consistent with your chipping and putting.” After seven years of participating in Drive, Chip and Putt Dixie will be competing in the age 12-13 division at Augusta and looks forward to the trip to Georgia with her dad, brother, and two former coaches. 
By Vincent Lopez January 22, 2024
The Northern Texas PGA is proud to share that eight PGA members have been named PGA jr. League #GameChanger Player Engagement Award winners! The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to PGA Jr. League and serve as leaders in golf instruction and player development. Additionally, Charleton Dechert, PGA facilities manager at First Tee of Fort Worth, and Joey Anders, PGA instructor at Brookhaven Country Club were celebrated for having two of the top 10 largest programs in the country. 
By Molly Rawlins September 26, 2023
FRISCO, TX – The Northern Texas PGA and Veritex Community Bank announced a partnership extension with support directed towards junior golf and events for PGA of America Golf Professionals. The enhanced partnership will last through 2026 and benefit both the NTPGA and NTPGA Foundation. Veritex has been involved as a sponsor of the NTPGA since 2012. Veritex will support tournaments for the NTPGA’s nearly 900 professionals as a sponsor of the Joyce Crane | Veritex Community Bank Section Championship and The National Car Rental Northern Texas Assistant PGA Professional Championship presented by Veritex Community Bank. Additionally, the NTPGA’s Assistant of the Year will receive a $1,500 bonus from Veritex. Tournaments and events conducted on the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour will be referred to as the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour presented by Veritex Community Bank. The Spring, Summer and Fall Series Points Challenges in all three areas (East, Metro and West) will be referred to as the Veritex Community Bank Points Challenges. “Veritex’s core values are truth, transparency, and integrity. These beliefs are synonymous with those inherent in the game, which is why we are proud to align with organizations such as the NTPGA,” said C. Malcolm Holland, CEO and President of Veritex Community Bank. “We support the game at every level, beginning with junior golf, to rising college and Korn Ferry Tour players, and peak with major champions. Providing a foundation for kids to learn, have fun and compete through the guidance of PGA Professionals is a core aspect of that journey.” “The Northern Texas PGA Members, Associates, staff and junior golfers are fortunate to have a partner on our side like Veritex. We are delighted to continue this long-standing relationship that helps the NTPGA in fulfilling our missions of serving the PGA Professionals and growing the game of golf alongside our friends at Veritex Community Bank who have become a major contributor to the game here in North Texas,” said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA.
By Steven Clements July 7, 2023
THE COLONY, TX – Maelynn Kim of Katy, TX Captured the 2023 The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship. Kim will tee it up on the LPGA Tour on October 5-8, 2023 in The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America at Old American Golf Club. Kim fired a 1-over-par, 72 final round, the second lowest score of the day on Old American Golf Club, to secure her victory by one stroke. She finished the championship at 6-under-par after rounds of 67-70-72–209. The final round course set-up was nearly the exact same as the final round of the 2022 LPGA Tour’s Sunday set-up. After finishing in 4th place last year Kim had her eyes set on returning to Northern Texas for a victory. “Last year I had a good chance at it then I just got nervous,” said Kim. “I knew I had a good chance of winning this week and that was my goal anyway to come out and win so it feels really good to be able to accomplish that.” Kim will attend the University of Houston in the fall and play on the Women’s Golf Team, where she will be teammates with the inaugural champion of this event Brooke Morales. Morales won in 2020. “I might reach out to Michelle (2023 champion) and probably to Brooke as well just to kind of see what it was like and if they can give me advice,” said Kim about preparing for her LPGA debut. The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship is supported by Jerry J. Ransom. Old American Golf Club Par 35-36–71 Yardage: 6,297 yards View the final results HERE
By Steven Clements July 6, 2023
THE COLONY, TX – Alicia Bellendir cards an even-par second round at The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship. After a 34-38–72 she now leads by two strokes heading into tomorrow’s final round at Golf Clubs at The Tribute. Bellendir once again started off strong with two birdies in the opening three holes. “It was okay today, I started off pretty well, at one point I was 2-under and I kept that up for most of the round,” she said. “I ended with two bogeys because I put myself in bad positions, so I ended up shooting even. It wasn't terrible but it could have been better.” Looking ahead to tomorrow’s final round Bellendir said, “I’m just hoping that I can shoot par, since it's a harder course, not many people will shoot a super good round.” In the final grouping at 9:39 a.m. with Bellendir will be Maelynn Kim and Veronika Exposito. Kim, who is from Katy, is two strokes behind the lead at 7-under-par. She also played in the final grouping in last year’s Championship. Exposito, from The Woodlands, is in 3rd place at 6-under-par after shooting a 67 today. Her 5-under-par round was the lowest of the day. Of the field of 52 players, 31 made the 36 hole cut and will move onto the final round. After playing the first 36 holes of the Championship on the Tribute Golf Links, tomorrow’s final round will be played on Old American Golf Club. It is the host site for the LPGA Tour event and Friday’s final round course set-up will simulate the LPGA Tour event's Sunday set-up. Tomorrow the Championship will once again award an exemption into The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America on October 5-8, 2023 to the champion. The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship is supported by Jerry J. Ransom. Tribute Golf Links Par 36-36–72 Yardage: 6,297 yards View current leaderboard HERE
By Steven Clements July 6, 2023
THE COLONY, TX – Alicia Bellendir of Coppell continued the Independence Day fireworks at The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship. She fired an opening round 32-31–63, 9-under-par and sits four shots ahead of second place. Starting the championship with an opening birdie, Bellendir never looked back on her way to a career low 63. “I started off with birdie, par and then eagle and then I just was playing pretty well throughout and then I had a row of five birdies and then I had a bogey and then I ended with birdie, par so it was pretty good today.” Bellendir had a strong day on the greens “I was making a lot of putts from 12 feet and in,” she said. This is Bellendir’s third time playing in the championship. She qualified by winning the All American Tour Talley Riggins Summer Showdown by 12 strokes on May 31 - June 1, 2023 at Sherrill Park Golf Course. Coincidentally Bellendir’s previous career low round of 67 came at this event. Maelynn Kim from Katy who finished in 4th place last year is once again in contention. She carded a first round 5-under-par, 67 and sits in second place. 14 players of the 52 player field are under-par after 18 holes. Tribute Golf Links will host the first 36 holes of the Championship before a cut is made to the low 30 scores and ties. The remaining players will play the final round on Old American Golf Club, the host site for the LPGA Tour event. Wednesday’s final round course set-up will simulate the LPGA Tour event's Sunday set-up. This year’s Championship will once again award an exemption into The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America on October 5-8, 2023. The Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Girls Championship is supported by Jerry J. Ransom. Tribute Golf Links Par 36-36–72 Yardage: 6,297 yards View current leaderboard HERE
By Molly Rawlins June 6, 2023
> Educational program tops $2.2 million in money awarded  > Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship awarded > Four-year University of Texas at Arlington scholarship awarded
June 5, 2023
The Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) Foundation is pleased to continue its charitable commitment to higher education by announcing our 2023 scholarship recipients. A record 80 high school seniors who will be attending college this fall have earned scholarships totaling $696,500 – the most ever awarded in a single year by the NTPGA Foundation. The 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 University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). Two $5,000 scholarships, the iWash of Texas Scholarship and the Gary Dunkerson College Scholarship, will be awarded to two junior golfers via a random drawing during the SA Smith West Texas Junior Invitational tournament later this June. Another two scholarships thanks to the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation totaling $10,000 will be awarded to two students graduating high school or currently in college who are the child or grandchild of a past NTPGA PGA HOPE graduate. “To award $696,500 in scholarships this year to a record-breaking 80 students is truly incredible," said Mark Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Texas PGA. “We would not be able to continue this program without the support of everyone who believes in our Foundation and our commitment to higher education. Thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to these 80 deserving students. We know they all have a bright future ahead.” This year, of the scholarships awarded, 67% were based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement, while 33% were awarded based on academic performance, extracurricular activities and community involvement. Since 1983, the Northern Texas PGA Foundation has awarded $4.99 M in college scholarships to 754 deserving students. Listed below are the names of the 2023 scholarship recipients:  Allison & Jerry Freeman Scholarship – Jack Whalen – Dallas, TX April & Mark Anthony Scholarship – Luke Newton – Highland Village, TX Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America Scholarship – Grace Frei – The Colony, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Maddox Burton – Irving, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Clarita Fuentes – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gael Soto-Barboza – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Lizbeth Enriquez – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Gabriel Herrera – Dallas, TX AT&T Byron Nelson Scholarship – Leslie Jamarillo – Dallas, TX Ben Hogan Foundation / Bruce & Gloria Devlin Scholarship – Brock Braden – Midland, TX Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – Matthew Rui – Allen, TX Ben Hogan Foundation Scholarship – James Thomson – Dallas, TX Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Seve Aguirre – Colleyville, TX Birdies for Kids Scholarship – Davis Ovard – Frisco, TX CMAA Scholarship – Lilly Sillis – Midlothian, TX Dean Larsson / Dallas District Golf Association Scholarship – Katherine Brown – Colleyville, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Cithlaly Crispin – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Shane Davis – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Doris Gradiz – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Rachelle Gutierrez – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Jose Loredo Quintana – Dallas, TX Deloitte / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Emily Silva – Dallas, TX Dr. Bill Blair Scholarship – Brett Walsh – Lantana, TX Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Sophie Drago – Mansfield, TX Ewing Automotive Scholarship – Nathan Womack – Elk City, OK Frank & Evelyn Borgsmiller Scholarship – Areli Macz Melchor – Dallas, TX Fritz & Mary Lee Duda Family Foundation Scholarship – William Kroneberger – McGregor, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – AJ Adams – Plano, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jeremiah Cuellar – Midlothian, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Chase Fields – Roswell, NM Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jack Kash – Flower Mound, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jordyn Keeton – Forsan, TX Holly & Doug Brooks Family Foundation Scholarship – Jacob Pasteur – Roanoke, TX I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – Aliya Larzeia – Dallas, TX I Am a Golfer Foundation Scholarship – JaLynn McKinney – Dallas, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Dante Bush – Plano, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Grant Kutz – Coppell, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Lauren Gatsos – Fort Worth, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Christian Willis – Hickory Creek, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Katya Tibbets – Montgomery,TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Julia Helsel – Arlington, TX Jerry J. Ransom Scholarship – Madison Wong – Allen, TX Joe Bob Joyce Family Foundation Scholarship – Magen Dow – Ponder, TX Joe Black / Texas Golf Hall of Fame Scholarship – Kade Burton – Midland, TX Jon & Kim Morgan Scholarship – Lucas Thorley – Alvarado, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Greece Gomez – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Ashley Cruz – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Destiny Reed – Dallas, TX Jordan Spieth Family Foundation Scholarship – Luis Leon Pastor – Dallas, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Grady Ault – Jacksonville, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Madison Wert – Roanoke, TX Links on PGA Parkway Scholarship – Evan Wunsch – Trophy Club, TX M&P Group Texas State Open Scholarship – William Gillen – Tyler, TX Mac Spikes PGA Member Scholarship – Maddie Anders – Fairview, TX Misty Morgan / Laura Morgan FISD Scholarship – Erica Kim – Frisco, TX Mizzen + Main Scholarship – Barret Wisener – Dallas, TX Perry Arthur Scholarship – Kennedy McCullough – Aledo, TX PGA Frisco Scholarship – Aashana Patel – Frisco, TX Philip Bleakney Scholarship – Chase Brown – Wichita Falls, TX Randy Smith Scholarship – Elena Jurado – Childress, TX Rob Norland Scholarship – Marcus Williams – Prosper, TX Ronny Glanton Scholarship – Blake Patterson – Forney, TX Royal Oaks Country Club / Nicholas Stafford Scholarship – Madeleine Melson – Colleyville, TX Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Olivia Santiago – Flower Mound, TX Scottie & Meredith Scheffler Scholarship – Kara Kim – Frisco, TX Talley Riggins Construction Group Scholarship – Shay West – San Angelo, TX Tees for Keys Scholarship – Michael Rasmussen – Lufkin, TX The Ronny Golf Park Scholarship – Jackson Baughman – Prosper, TX Thomas Hanson Memorial Scholarship – Diane “Queenie” Guercio – Plano, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Will Harris – Garland, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Victoria Malott – Richardson, TX Two Dads and a Coach / Sherrill Park Scholarship – Catalina Malott – Richardson, TX UNTD / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Eh Tu Gae – Dallas, TX UTA / NTPGA Fairway to Success Scholarship – Joshua Puga – Dallas, TX West Texas Legends Scholarship honoring SA Smith, Hart Warren, Jay McClure and Sherwin Cox Scholarship – Ethan Evans – Amarillo, TX Workday Scholarship – David Jensen – Hickory Creek, TX For more information about the Northern Texas PGA Foundation scholarship program or for additional information about our 2023 recipients, please contact Casey Rayburn at crayburn@ntpga.com or visit www.ntpgajuniorgolf.com/scholarships .
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