Students awarded Ouimet Evans Scholarships
Glenview, Ill. & Norton, MA – Three students from Massachusetts have been awarded the Ouimet Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing college scholarship for deserving caddies, following a selection interview held Dec. 21.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund and the Evans Scholars Foundation annually co-sponsor the scholarships for caddies from the state of Massachusetts. They are awarded to applicants who meet the criteria of both organizations and demonstrate a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. The scholarship is valued at more than $120,000 over four years.
Laura Cogswell of West Barnstable, Massachusetts, caddied at Wianno Club and is currently a senior at Barnstable High School. She will begin college this fall as a Ouimet Evans Scholar at a partner university, where she plans to study psychology.
“I am proof that the game of golf brings people closer to each other,” Cogswell says. “I have made many connections thanks to this wonderful game. My years as a caddie at the Wianno Club have allowed me to make bonds with members and friendships with other caddies that I hope to keep forever.”
Sean McMinn of Monson, Massachusetts, caddied at Longmeadow Country Club and is currently a senior at Minnechaug Regional High School. He will begin college this fall as a Ouimet Evans Scholar at a partner university, where he plans to study business.
“As a caddie, I have witnessed members conducting business and building relationships on the course, and I want to be that person,” McMinn says. “This inspired my desire to become a successful businessman who can share in his success and give back to the community.”
John Sullivan of East Falmouth, Massachusetts, caddied at Sacconnesset Golf Club and is currently a senior at Falmouth High School. He will begin college this fall as a Ouimet Evans Scholar at a partner university, where he plans to study English and biology.
“My experiences as a caddie have greatly impacted my life. The foundations of education, hard
work, support and kindness that I have built my life upon have been reinforced during my time as a caddie and will continue to shape the adult I am becoming,” Sullivan says. “I intend to always keep learning, give one hundred percent and show the same support and kindness that has been so graciously shown to me.”
The Evans Scholars selection interviews will continue to be held with applicants nationwide through spring. When the 2021-22 selection meeting process is complete, an estimated 315 caddies are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.
“Laura, Sean and John are part of an exceptional incoming class of New Scholar caddies from around the nation,” said WGA Chairman Joe Desch. “They represent what the Evans Scholars Program has been about since 1930.”
“We are proud of the 2022 Ouimet-Evans Scholars for their dedication as caddies and their outstanding performance in the classroom,” said William L. Healy, MD, President of the Ouimet Fund. “The Ouimet Fund is proud to partner with the Evans Scholars Foundation to support young men and women who work in golf.”
“As the Evans Scholars Program continues to expand on the East Coast, our local partnership with the Francis Ouimet Fund is helping us create more opportunities for hardworking caddies from Massachusetts,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “These young students have each shown excellence in the classroom, in their communities and on the golf course. We are proud to welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.”