Crystal Tree’s Chick Evans Scholarship winners recognized at Orland Park board meeting
By JON DEPAOLIS, Publisher
ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Three students were recognized by the Village of Orland Park Board of Trustees Monday, June 21, for receiving Chick Evans Scholarships from Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club.
The students — Dylan Manning, Maeve Moran and Abby Noonen — are caddies at the Orland Park-based golf course. Each received a full scholarship to college as part of the scholarship program, which is given to caddies who have “limited financial means,” according to the Western Golf Association website.
“I know you’re going to do great in school,” Mayor Keith Pekau told the students during the recognition ceremony. “You’ve already demonstrated what wonderful young people you are.”
In introducing each student, Pekau also highlighted their future plans: Manning, who attended Carl Sandburg High School, plans to attend the University of Kansas to study accounting; Moran, of Stagg, plans to attend Indiana University and study business; and Noonen, of Lincoln-Way East, plans to attend Miami University of Ohio and major in computer science.
“They are great kids, and the scholarship is unbelievable,” Trustee Brian Riordan said. “I know how hard it is, and I know how hard that they have all worked for it. They will continue to do so in college.”
Western Golf Association Director Larry Hickey said more than 11,000 scholarships have been given out through the Chick Evans program since the 1930s.
“And we’re ramping it up,” he told the board members. “Last year, we did 300 full scholarships. We’re looking to expand that as the years go on. It’s recognized as the best privately funded scholarship in the country. We have a great graduation rate. I just want to say that you are looking at the future of this country in the Evans scholars.”
Pekau also thanked Crystal Tree for providing the scholarships to the students, awarding the country club with a community pride award.
“It is a full-ride scholarship that includes all of their tuition, and it includes their room and board,” Pekau said. “The program is absolutely amazing, and these kids go on to be phenomenal contributors to society.”