Second CTK Student Awarded Evans Scholarship

In November, CTK’s first ever Evans Scholar, Nelson ’22 was announced. It didn’t take long for the second CTK student to be named a prestigious Evans Scholar. Congratulations to Shania ’22 on being awarded a 4-year full college tuition and housing Chick Evans Scholarship overseen by the Western Golf Association (WGA). To qualify, candidates must meet the requirements of having a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character.

During her freshman year, Shania was introduced to the Western Golf Association’s caddie opportunity in a meeting on summer college programs at CTK. While she had never played golf, she took the chance to step out of her comfort zone, and potentially earn a college scholarship, and signed up. Shania’s caddying experience started that summer with an in-residence program with other female caddies in Lake Forest and included caddying at nearby Twin Orchards Country Club. This summer’s assignment at Briarwood Country Club in Deerfield allowed her to assist more golfers each day. She grew to like the experience. “The caddying program was a great way to meet new people. I’ve always been good in school but talking to people I didn’t know is difficult for me. To be a good caddie, I needed to be personable and nice – it’s like active customer service.”

This fall, Shania submitted the online application with personal & financial information and several essays. After the application was completed, she advanced to the next round - an interview with a panel of Western Golf Association directors. Although speaking with 20+ people was “a terrifying experience” for the reserved student, Shania made it through her interviews with the encouragement of the WGA directors and CTK College Counselor, Sarah Burke. Receiving the FedEx package notifying her she had been awarded the Evans Scholarship was the best day of her young life to-date.

“I ran up the three flights of stairs to our apartment, and into my mom’s room. It was the first time I ever saw her jumping on her bed!” – Shania ‘22

Shania is excited to go to one of her top college choices, potentially Marquette University, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, or Ohio State University, to study English, with the career goal of becoming a high school English teacher. While college acceptance decisions are still pending, there is a “weight off her shoulders”, knowing that she will be able to attend a top college without having to worry about the cost associated.

Congratulations to Shania and her family!