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.