Seven Dallas ISD seniors receive Fairway to Success scholarships
NTPGA • May 7, 2018
• Educational program tops $1 million in awards over past decade
• Funding comes from Deloitte North Texas partners, principals and professionals
• Four-year University of North Texas at Dallas scholarship added for first time
DALLAS –
Deloitte, the Northern Texas PGA (NTPGA) and United Way today announced seven recipients of this year’s Deloitte/NTPGA Fairway to Success scholarships, a program that now has awarded more than $1 million to local students over the past decade. Added this year, in collaboration with the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), is a full, four-year scholarship to the university.
Honored May 7 at the Lakewood Country Club were six Dallas Independent School District (DISD) students: -Daniel Akwei, Ashley Crispin, Elia Espinosa, Juwon Grant, Francheska Johnson and Sonya Soto – each receiving a $20,000 college scholarship. Another DISD student, Tyra Shockley, was awarded the new UNT Dallas-funded scholarship.
“Fairway to Success gives those most in need a real opportunity to go to college. Even more than that, the program is invested in all of the participating students and sees that they have access to the tools and guidance our people can offer to help them on that pathway to success,” said Jason Downing, North Texas managing partner and Central region market leader at Deloitte.
UNT Dallas President Bob Mong said the university is proud to join the Fairway to Success scholarship program.
“Our growing urban university is built on the belief that everyone should have access to education, and that’s what this program is all about,” Mong said. “Congratulations to Tyra Shockley, who will receive a full four-year scholarship to UNTD, and congratulations to all of the scholarship winners from DISD. Thank you to Deloitte and to the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation for their commitment to providing youth in our community with opportunities for education.”
Established in 2007, the Fairway to Success program annually awards scholarships to students based on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community involvement and financial need. The program covers three DISD high schools – W.W. Samuell, Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln – and includes introducing students to golf and the life lessons of discipline, honor and integrity that are central to the game.
During the 2017-2018 school year, more than 155 DISD students took part in a five week after-school golf program in the fall and spring. They learned the basics of golf from PGA golf professionals, and graduating seniors who qualified by participating in the program had the chance to apply for the scholarships.
Fairway to Success also includes mentorship to support scholarship recipients throughout their college careers. Scholarship recipients interact with Deloitte mentors who share their insights gained from working in a professional services environment. Mentors also help students explore potential career opportunities in the business and STEM-focused fields of study.
So far, 51 DISD students have received the scholarships, now topping $1 million – funded by Deloitte partners, principals and professionals in North Texas.
The NTPGA also employs two Fairway to Success recipients as interns each summer. It furthers the intern’s golf education that began on their high school campuses through Fairway to Success.
“The Fairway to Success Scholarship program has successfully bridged the financial gap for amazing college-bound students. The program has assisted economically disadvantaged students who excelled academically and socially to attend a university or college. Students selected for the program have become independent, committed and active leaders in the community,” said Tammy Wheeler, lead counselor, W.W. Samuell High School.
The 2018 scholarship recipients are:
Francheska Johnson - Lincoln High School
Francheska is ranked sixth in her class at Lincoln High School, where she is a student in the Communications/Humanities magnet program. She has been in the Lincoln band all four years and is the French Horn section leader. Francheska also participated on the softball team. Through the Communications magnet, Francheska has written, directed and edited films in each of the last two Dallas International Film Festivals, as well as performed in the yearly DISD One-Act plays, from which she was picked to be in the all-star cast. In addition, she works 30 hours a week in retail. Francheska will attend Clark Atlanta University this fall, where she will major in mass media arts and focus on directing and producing.
Juwon Grant - Lincoln High School
Earning honors within the Boys and Girls Club, being an active member in Speech, and also having a part-time job might sound like a busy schedule for some, but that didn’t stop Juwon Grant from thriving at Lincoln High School and becoming President of Lincoln High School’s Choir. Juwon has been a member of choir all four years of high school where he performs for both the community and the school. This first generation college student has never accepted loss as a failure, but an opportunity to learn. He looks to his mentor, Pastor Melvin Howell who has been an inspiration and influence on his life. Juwon strives take that guidance and be a positive role model for his three siblings. This fall, Juwon will attend The University of North Texas at Dallas and pursue a degree in supply chain management.
Ashley Crispin - W.W. Samuell High School
Ashley Crispin has accomplished the goal she set in 3rd grade; she is graduating as Valedictorian of her class at W.W. Samuell High School. On top of this accomplishment, Ashley is graduating with her associate’s degree from Eastfield College and 65 college credits, as part of the Early College High School program she sought out entering the ninth grade. Ashley is Vice President of the National Honor Society, President of her Early College class and a member of the Earth Club. Her drive and maturity will serve her well when she begins her accounting and finance studies at either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Dallas as a first generation college student. Ashley plans to graduate in four years with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Tyra Shockley - W.W. Samuell High School
Tyra is a resilient, confident and gritty young woman thriving at W.W. Samuell High School. She is the senior class secretary, captain of the JV cheerleading team (which she only took up this year) and was captain of the volleyball team. Her leadership abilities are based on being a good communicator and treating others with empathy and kindness, evident in her plan to donate back her prom dress to Samuell for another young woman to use next year. On top of all her school activities, Tyra works 30 hours a week and commutes 20 miles a day each way to get to school and work. As the first UNT-Dallas Fairway to Success scholarship recipient, Tyra will pursue a degree in public health beginning this fall.
Daniel Akwei - Thomas Jefferson High School
Daniel Akwei is the youngest of six children. When he was 13 years old, he and his family immigrated to the United States from Ghana and he has worked to take advantage of all the opportunities that allow him to learn, explore, and achieve goals. In addition to speaking five languages, Daniel has been a volunteer with many organizations including Communities in School and The Salvation Army. His work ethic does not end there; he has also been an intern for the Dallas ISD Communication and Marketing Department for the past two summers where he has learned the value of hands on experience. Daniel is a highly motivated individual who is passionate about helping people around him. This fall he plans to further his education at either the University of North Texas at Dallas or the University of Texas at Arlington.
Elia Espinosa - Thomas Jefferson High School
With a 3.8 GPA, Elia is ranked fourth in her graduating class of 361 students at Thomas Jefferson High School. In addition to outstanding academics, Elia has maintained remarkable involvement within her school including President of both the National Honor Society and Chinese Club. She is also Captain of the Golf team where she earned Most Valuable Player of 2017 and was the individual district champion. Elia has spent her high school career in the JROTC program where she is currently a Cadet Captain. Elia is the definition of a role model to her peers and her younger sister; she represents resilience and fierce determination no matter what circumstances may be. For these reasons, Elia will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall where she will enlist with Corps of Cadets with aspirations of one day becoming a commercial pilot.
Sonya Soto - Thomas Jefferson High School
The fifth ranked student in her class, Sonya Soto has overcome all odds to find much success in her young life. As the editor-in-chief of the Thomas Jefferson yearbook, Sonya coordinated and edited the entire 2018 production. She is also the Vice President of the Chinese Club as well as a member of the Emerging Latino Leaders program and National Honor Society. In addition, she works 25 hours a week. Looking to her mother as her motivation, Sonya has developed an unmatched ambition to be successful in everything that she does. Her love of animals has led her to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in animal sciences, to become a veterinarian.
About the Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation
Founded in 1983, the nationally acclaimed Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, is committed to introducing, promoting and growing the game of golf to a diverse group of kids in North Texas and instilling in them the positive, character developing traits for which the game is so well known. Each year close to 10,000 children and their families are impacted by the game that lasts a lifetime through a full circle of programs and services including:
• Introduction – Golf in Schools, Fairway to Success After School Program, Drive, Chip and Putt and Summer Golf Camps
• Playing – Team and PGA Junior League Golf, Prep and Medalist Levels and All American Tour – 450+ tournaments per year
• Education – College Scholarships – $2.06M distributed including $265,000 awarded in 2017
• Employment – Internship Program, Fairway to Success After School Program and Summer Golf Camps
• Philanthropy – Ewing Charity Classic, Birdies for Kids, the Jerry J. Ransom Pro-Junior-Am and the Royal Oaks’ Great 108
The Northern Texas PGA Junior Golf Foundation is governed by the Northern Texas PGA Board of Directors.
About Deloitte
Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them.
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About the University of North Texas at Dallas
The University of North Texas at Dallas empowers students, transforms lives and strengthens communities. Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the Downtown Dallas skyline, UNT Dallas is the only public, accredited 4-year university in the City of Dallas. UNT Dallas includes the UNT Dallas College of Law in Downtown Dallas and is part of the UNT System.
Photo of 2018 Scholarship Recipients:
From left to right: Lincoln High School’s Juwon Grant & Francheska Johnson, W.W. Samuell High School’s Tyra Shockley & Ashley Crispin, Thomas Jefferson High School’s Sonya Soto, Elia Espinosa & Daniel Akwei
Spencer Dillard’s rise from a young golfer to a devoted PGA of America Golf Professional is a story of passion and purpose. His love for the game began when he was gifted a Tiger Wood’s golf video game as a kid. Spencer, who is now an Assistant Golf Professional at Preston Trail Golf Club, reflects on a journey shaped by the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour. Spencer’s golfing journey began at the age of seven when his parents enrolled him in a small golf camp in McKinney, Texas. A year later, he discovered the Ewing Automotive NTPGA Junior Tour and started competing in tournaments. These early experiences helped him develop both his skills and excitement for the game. Spencer’s first experience on the junior tour was memorable. “I think I shot 72 for my very first [Prep Tour] event,” Dillard shares. “By the end of that year, I shot a 46. I was so happy to go from shooting a 72 for nine holes to [shooting] in the 40s.”
FORT WORTH, TX – The Northern Texas PGA held their annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, February 2, at River Crest Country Club. The banquet celebrated the 2024 NTPGA award winners, which included Northern Texas PGA Golf Professional of the Year, the Section's highest award, won by Neil Lockie, PGA director of golf at Dallas National Golf Club. This is the highest honor given annually to a Northern Texas PGA Member, and is awarded for qualities of leadership, strong moral character and a substantial record of service to the NTPGA as well as the game of golf. The complete list of award winners can be found HERE . Congratulations to all!
Today, our Section was selected as the 2025 Herb Graffis Award recipient! The award is given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections for tireless dedication to growing the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community. Thank you to all of our PGA of America Golf Professionals who are involved in so many of our Foundation programs, helping us to impact lives in the communities we serve in North Texas! Led by President Cameron Doan, PGA, and Executive Director Kelly Gilley, PGA, the Section is backed by a membership of more than 1,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who are employed at more than 300 facilities. The Section’s mission is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The NTPGA’s success is fueled by the Northern Texas PGA Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization dedicated to promoting and growing the game of golf among diverse groups of kids in North Texas, and instilling in them the positive, character-developing traits for which the game is known. Annually, approximately 10,000 children and their families are impacted through the Foundation’s full circle of programs and services. Today, based on the three key pillars of the PGA of America REACH Foundation—Youth, Military, Diverse populations—as well as pillars for college scholarships, internships and inclusion, the Foundation reaches a greater audience to promote and grow the game. The centerpiece of the Foundation’s golf programming is the Ronny Golf Park, a first-of-its-kind facility that features a two-acre, lighted golf park made entirely of fully synthetic turf. It can be enjoyed rain or shine, day or night. It is designed with junior golfers in mind, and led by the Section’s PGA-led staff, who offer a variety of programs for children ages 3-14. The Section will be formally recognized again later this year when the PGA of America hosts its Annual Meeting at PGA Frisco in November. Congratulations to all of the 2025 PGA of America award recipients! A full list can be found HERE .
At this year's PGA Show, eight Northern Texas PGA Members and Associates were recognized as #GameChanger Award recipients! The #GameChanger Awards celebrate PGA Jr. League Coaches who go above and beyond to grow the game. The awards honor the 25 largest PGA Jr. League programs in the country as well as the largest programs in each of the 41 PGA of America Sections. The ceremony at the PGA SHOW highlighted the efforts of PGA and LPGA Professionals who are leading the way for youth to enjoy and learn the game of golf.
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