Finalists interviewed at Union League Club in New York City
NORTON, MA – Two student caddies from Massachusetts have been awarded a prestigious full tuition and housing college scholarship to Penn State University.
Barnstable High School students Will Cogswell of West Barnstable and Connor Levesque of Marstons Mills will begin college this fall as Ouimet Evans Scholars at Penn State. The scholarship is valued at an estimated $120,000 over four years.
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund and the Evans Scholars Foundation annually co-sponsor full tuition and housing college scholarships to two deserving caddies from Massachusetts. They are awarded to applicants who demonstrate a strong caddie record, excellent academics, financial need and outstanding character. Candidates must meet the qualifications of both the Ouimet Fund and the Evans Scholars Foundation to earn the Scholarship.
Cogswell caddied at Wianno Golf Club in Osterville. He has played hockey, football and track and field at Barnstable and is an outstanding leader and volunteer. “Through caddying, I have made many connections and friendships that I will keep forever,” he said.
Levesque caddied at Hyannisport Club in Barnstable. He earned “Most Improved Caddie” honors and found refuge on the golf course, learning to play and earning a spot on his high school golf team. He competed in several regional golf tournaments and now plans to attend college and find a job that will allow him to give back. “I want to prove it’s possible to pursue the sport you most dearly love but also live a life of committed work for the good of others,” he said.
“These deserving students have shown dedication, hard work and sacrifice, and we are honored to help them pursue their dreams of a college education,” said WGA Chairman Kevin Buggy.
“We are proud of Will and Connor for their dedication as caddies and in the classroom, and it is special to see them both earn this distinct honor,” said Jim Moriarty, President of the Ouimet Fund. “We’re proud to partner with the Evans Scholars Foundation for this special offering to local youth caddies. The Ouimet Fund has a storied tradition in Massachusetts dating back to 1949, and we are excited for this opportunity to work with the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship Program, a nationally acclaimed organization who also value need-based scholarships.”
The students were selected following a selection interview held at Union League Club in New York City on Feb. 11. The selection meeting in New York was one of more than 20 such meetings the Evans Scholars Foundation will hold across the country through the spring. When the 2019-20 selection meeting process is completed by April, an estimated 285 caddies are expected to be awarded the Evans Scholarship.
“As the Evans Scholars Program grows, our local partnership with the Francis Ouimet Fund will help us continue to create opportunities for hardworking caddies from Massachusetts,” said John Kaczkowski, President & CEO for the Evans Scholars Foundation. “The Ouimet Evans Scholarship will provide a path to a world-class college education for deserving young men and women.”