NJSGA Celebrates Caddie Scholars at 75th CSF Anniversary Reception
KENILWORTH, N.J. – The 2022 Caddie Scholars Reception was held on Wednesday, June 29 at Galloping Hill Golf Course, headquarters of the New Jersey State Golf Association. NJSGA Caddie Scholars, Alumni, and Donors were celebrated as the organization celebrated its 75th anniversary.
"I can't think any better way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Foundation than with all our caddie scholarship recipients and their families here tonight," expressed Brian Hunt, CSF Chairman "When you achieve success in your lives, remember the foundation, pay it forward in order to give a caddie the benefit of the same opportunity that you recieved."
The NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation has been a shining light for over 74 years in providing financial assistance to deserving member club caddies pursuing higher education. Since 1947, it has provided more than $17 million in college scholarship awards to nearly 3,100 caddies. For the 2022-23 academic year, the Foundation will provide 153 caddies with over $667,450 in scholarships. Caddie scholars are selected based on their academic performance, financial need, and length and quality of service as a caddie.
In January, it was announced that the NJSGA CSF would partner with the Western Golf Association’s (WGA) acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation in order to boost caddie scholarship funding, as well as expand caddie opportunities for youth in the state.
As part of the partnership, the CSF and ESF will continue to exist independently, but will collaborate on several initiatives. NJSGA Evans Scholarship recipients are awarded full tuition and housing scholarships, which are co-sponsored by the ESF and the NJSGA CSF. For the 2021-22 academic year, there are 15 NJSGA Evans Scholars enrolled in school.
With family and friends in attendance, current caddie scholars JohnKarlo Estrada, Michael Romano and Kevin McCarthy shared their appreciation for the foundation and its donation to their continuing education.
The trio also described the continuous life lessons they’ve learned while being a caddie.
“Loop after loop I developed more confidence talking to others, became more outgoing, situational awareness was heightened, patience was improved and I became a well-rounded person,” stated Romano.
Romano, a caddie at Knickerbocker Country Club attends Marywood University and is studying Business Management.
“No matter where I am in life, I strive to be able to give back to others the same way the NJSGA has given to me.
I am proud and grateful to be a recipient of the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship and to represent the best course I could ask for, Knickerbocker Country Club.”
Estrada, an incoming senior at the University of Delaware started as a caddie at Spring Brook Country Club in 2016.
“Caddying has led me to places I never thought I would be at,” expressed Estrada.
Studying Finance, Estrada is currently working for BNP Paribas, one of the top international banks.
“All of this is due to caddie mentorship and the Caddie Scholarship that has gotten me through college and letting me follow my dreams,” said Estrada.
To learn more about the NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation and donating, click here.
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