MIDLOTHIAN — Forty high-school seniors and four graduate students in the turfgrass research program at Virginia Tech were among 44 scholars honored as the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation announced its 2024 award recipients.
The recipients will be honored at VSGA Scholarship Day on Monday, May 20 at Lakeside Park Club in Richmond.
The Foundation provides grants and gifts for scholarships, scientific and educational research, and other charitable purposes. This year’s grants total $169,500. Since being launched, the program has distributed nearly $3 million to 1,170 students.
Included in the 2024 total are a pair of $10,000 awards, matching the largest gifts the Foundation has ever rewarded.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to honor 40 outstanding young men and women with scholarships in this, our 40th year of the VSGA-VIP Card and the Scholarship Foundation,” VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation President Joan Gardner said. “Our scholar-athlete recipients represent the best of their communities, and each has a unique perspective on how golf has been a positive influence in their life.”
Funding for scholarships is generated primarily from the sale of the VSGA VIP Golf Card, and Virginia high school seniors with an interest in golf are eligible to apply. Students are evaluated based on academic achievement, character, community involvement and an essay on the impact of golf on the applicant’s life.
2024 grants include the 24th C. Dan Keffer Award, which goes to an individual in honor of the former VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation Committee Chairman. This year’s recipient was Roanoke’s Nate Faulkner, who attends Cave Spring High School and will play golf at Davidson College.
Other 2024 grants include the Spencer-Wilkinson award, which draws from a fund formed by Debbie Spencer and Mary Nell Wilkinson. Since its formation more than 20 years ago, 58 young women have received Spencer-Wilkinson scholarships. This year’s award went to Fairfax’s Katie Vu, who attends Robinson High School and will play golf at the University of North Carolina.
The Red Speigle Award, named in honor of the late longtime teaching professional from the Peninsula area, went to Chesapeake’s Emma McGowan, who attends Oscar Smith High School and will continue her education at the University of Virginia. The David A. King Award, which the senior amateur golfer established in 2002, went to Felicity Chen of Reston, who attends South Lakes High School and will attend the College of William and Mary. The Richard Smith Award, given in remembrance of the VSGA’s longtime director of championships and supporter of junior golf, went to Meg Lavinder of Mechanicsville, who attends Mechanicsville High School and will play golf at Trinity College. The Mike Wise Award, introduced in 2023 and named in honor of the late Roanoke Valley philanthropist with ties to the First Tee – Roanoke Valley, went to Nicholas Crawford of Roanoke, who attends Northside High School and will continue his education at Emory & Henry College.
The first VSGA Military Scholarship was awarded to Yorktown’s Lilly Hall, who is homeschooled. The VSGA announced the Military Scholarship in late 2023. It is intended for students who are dependents of active-duty or retired members of the military. Hall will play golf at Randolph-Macon College.
“This year, the Foundation is particularly pleased to coordinate with the VSGA in awarding its first Military Scholarship to a high school senior within Virginia’s military golfing community,” Gardner said. “This new award is indicative of how our VSGA-VIP Scholarship program continues to grow from its humble start 40 years ago to impact Virginia golfers and their families across the Commonwealth.”
2024 VSGA-VIP SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION AWARD RECIPIENTS
Nate Faulkner (Roanoke/Cave Spring HS) — $10,000 including the C. Dan Keffer Award
- Golf Involvement: VSGA, AJGA and men’s invitational events; Semifinalist at 2023 VSGA Junior Match Play (withdrew due to illness); Top 10 in the 2023 Fox Puss; Low junior at 2023 Kenridge; 2nd at VHSL Championship in 2023
- Extracurricular Activities: Student Advisory Council; NHS Society Mu Alpha Theta tutor; Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Volunteer Activities: First Tee – Roanoke Valley; Student researcher
- Honors/Awards: Ranked 1st in class; AJGA Rolex Academic All-American (2023); AP Scholar with Distinction; National Honor Society for English, Math, Spanish, Social Studies; Roanoke Valley Governor’s School Distinguished Research Scholar
- College: Davidson College (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: Roanoke CC/Youth on Course Virginia
- Student member club employee info: Caddie at Ballyhack Golf Club
Katie Vu (Fairfax Station/Robinson HS) — $10,000, including the Spencer-Wilkinson Award
- Golf Involvement: Captain of Robinson golf team; Won 2023 VHSL Girls’ Open championship; Won Peggy Kirk Bell Junior at Pine Needles in December 2023; Five top-10 finishes in AJGA events.
- Extracurricular Activities: NHS member 2021-24, NHS President in 2024; Latin Honor Society (2019-23); Asian Society Association member (2022-24)
- Volunteer Activities: Volunteer coach with PGA Junior League and Girls’ Only PGA; IMBA bootcamp; Robinson HS art show; Wreaths Across America
- Honors/Awards: Maintained 4.0 GPA all four years of high school; NHS (2021-24)
- College: North Carolina (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: Junior Golf Circuit/Laurel Hill GC
Felicity Chen (Reston/South Lakes HS) —
$7,500, including the David A. King Award
- Golf Involvement: Has only played for five years; Captain of South Lakes varsity golf team; finished fourth at VHSL Girls’ Open Championship; Won Concorde District Individual title in 2023.
- Extracurricular Activities: 2023 research shadow/assistant, McGuire Richmond VA Hospital (analyzed working papers, observed, and assisted in experiments and data collection); Charity Golf Junior-Amateur participant, AJGA (selected by tournament directors to accompany, play golf, and have dinner with prospective donors for non-profit fundraising).
- Volunteer Activities: 2021-24 teacher & mentor for future volunteers at FaZhi Public Elementary School Voluntary Teaching Program in rural Taiwan (online English instruction); 2023 Certified Sailor, American Sailing Association; 2023 Miss Chinatown U.S.A. Pageant screening; 2023-24 coordinator & tutor, student-led SAT prep group; 2020-24 athletic mentor & caddy, Next Level Golf Academy.
- Honors/Awards: 2023 Smithsonian Science Education Center’s Sustainable Communities Global Action Research Award; 2023 Virginia High School League Award of Excellence; 2023 Washington Post All-Met honors
- College: William & Mary
- VSGA member: Junior Golf Circuit
Emma McGowan (Chesapeake/Oscar Smith HS) — $7,500, including the Red Speigle Award
- Golf Involvement: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit, US Kids Golf, First Tee – Hampton Roads; PGA Junior League through Michelle Holmes School of Golf; Four-year member and three-year captain of Oscar Smith golf team.
- Extracurricular Activities: OSHS Traveling Strolling Strings Group, principal cellist; OSHS International Baccalaureate Mentor, grades 10-11; National Honor Society, grades 11-12; Mathematics NHS, grades 11-12.
- Volunteer Activities: Certified SAT Peer Tutor, Schoolhouse.world, August ’23-present; Standard bearer, PGA Tour Travelers Championship; Golf tournament assistant, VSGA Junior Golf Circuit and U.S. Kids Golf.
- Honors/Awards: Ranked 1st in class; University of Virginia Echols Scholar; AP Scholar with Honors, 2023; President’s Award for Educational Excellence, 2021-23; National Band & Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall, 2023, principal cellist; National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, 2024.
- College: University of Virginia (Echols Scholar)
Meg Lavinder (Mechanicsville/Mechanicsville HS) — $7,500, including the Richard Smith Award
- Golf Involvement: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit and VSGA championships; Drive, Chip and Putt qualifying; Mechanicsville HS golf team, captain 2022-23; played in PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee.
- Extracurricular Activities: Hanover NAACP; First Tee National Opportunities participant; Staff writer/editor, The Ville, MHS student newspaper, Editor in Chief in 2023-24; MHS Empowerment Club; MHS Film Club.
- Volunteer Activities: Pamunkey Regional Library; First Tee – Greater Richmond, Junior Advisory Board; LPGA*USGA Girls golf events.
- Honors/Awards: Hanover Scholar, 2024; IB Diploma candidate, 2022-24; Academic excellence award in IB Theory of Knowledge, 2022-23.
- College: Trinity College (will play for golf team)
Nicholas Crawford (Roanoke/Northside HS) — $7,500, including the Mike Wise Award
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League All-Star Team, ages 12-13; First Tee – Roanoke Valley participant 4th grade-present; PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach participant at age 16; Northside varsity golf team, starter all four years, captain 11th and 12th
- Extracurricular Activities: National BETA Club, 2022-present; DECA, 2020-present; Student Advisory Council, Roanoke County School Board, 2021-present; FCA, 2021-present.
- Volunteer Activities: Vacation Bible School, led small group; Appalachian Mission of the Smokies; Read Across America Event at Burlington Elementary; Northside HS Youth Basketball Camp.
- Honors/Awards: Ranked 1st in class; BETA Club, 2022-present; Head Junior Marshall, 2023; Harry F. Byrd Leadership nominee, 2024; All A & A/B Honor Roll, 2020-24; 1st Place in District Competition DECA, 2022
- College: Emory & Henry College
- VSGA member: Hanging Rock Golf Club
- Parent member club employee info: Jason Crawford (father) is a starter at Hanging Rock
- Student member club employee info: Hanging Rock cart boy and starter
Lilly Hall (Yorktown/Homeschooled) — $7,500, including the VSGA Military Scholarship
- Golf Involvement: Got start in US Kids Golf and PGA Junior League, competes in VSGA, MAPGA, and Peggy Kirk Bell events.
- Extracurricular Activities: Poquoson Library Teen Advisory Board member for two years (helps create teen library programs such as game nights, crafts, yoga, and book clubs); Secretary of the 2023-24 Poquoson Liberty Teen Advisory Board; First-year member of the Liberty University Online Academy Senior Club; Piano lessons/recitals.
- Volunteer Activities: US Kids Golf, help with tournament setup, scoring table, course management; Poquoson Library’s children’s summer reading program; Babysitting and dog-sitting in the neighborhood.
- Honors/Awards: National BETA Club (honors club)
- College: Randolph-Macon College (will play on golf team)
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
Jakob Beauchamp (Midlothian/Trinity Episcopal)
- Golf Involvement: Four years of varsity golf, two at James River High School before transferring to Trinity Episcopal; VSGA events.
- Extracurricular Activities: Finance, Advertising, Marketing, Entrepreneurship (FAME) Club Vice President; Trinity Episcopal School trail guide; Wake Forest Leadership Summer Immersion Program.
- Volunteer Activities: Created program to provide golf lessons to neighbor with Down Syndrome; Buddy Break Richmond, provide support for and play games with kids with special needs; HandsOnRVA, James River Park System cleanup and maintenance; Global Engagement Service Project in Costa Rica.
- Honors/Awards: James River High School Distinguished Honor Roll/Dean’s List (every quarter); Trinity Episcopal School Headmaster’s List (every quarter); World Language Honor Society (Spanish).
- College: University of Virginia
- VSGA member: Independence GC
- Student member club employee: Independence GC, cart barn employee
Evan Britton (Forest/Jefferson Forest HS)
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League; JFHS varsity golf team
- Extracurricular Activities: Leadership and Unity Council; LEO Club; Forensics Team; Scholastic Bowl; Manager/Statistician, varsity boys lacrosse team.
- Volunteer Activities: Cancer Awareness Garden, set-up, and breakdown of annual lighting of the Gardens, along with cleaning and landscaping of the Gardens; Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest; Annual Salvation Army Bell Ringer; Peer Tutoring; Oakes Test Prep Foundation.
- Honors/Awards: AP Scholar with Honors, 2022-23; Honor Society, 2022-23; President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Kip Nininger Academic Award/Scholarship, 2023; All A’s High Honor – Central Virginia Governor’s School, 2022-23.
- College: Georgia Tech
Ayla Browning (Leesburg/Loudoun County HS)
- Golf Involvement: Under Armour Junior Tour, U.S. Kids Golf, VSGA events, MAPGA events; Four years of varsity golf at Loudoun County; First-team all-county in 2023.
- Extracurricular Activities: Junior Navy ROTC Program; FBLA; Babysitting.
- Volunteer Activities: Evergreen CC Kids Golf Camp, assisted 4-10 year olds, teaching golf course management and etiquette; Junior Navy ROTC, 20 hours of volunteer service annually.
- Honors/Awards: Honor Roll, 2020-present.
- College: Christopher Newport University (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
Joel Cunningham (Halifax/Halifax County HS)
- Golf Involvement: AJGA and VSGA events; Captain and team MVP, Halifax County High School varsity.
- Extracurricular Activities: Congaree Initiative Member; Citizenship Award.
- Volunteer Activities: PGA Tour RBC Heritage volunteer; Food for the Homeless; Mason Chapel Baptist Church volunteer for the homeless; Research Area Medical Center volunteer.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society.
- College: Morehouse College (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: Halifax CC
Taylor Davis (Salem/Salem HS)
- Golf Involvement: First Tee – Roanoke Valley; VSGA and Peggy Kirk Bell circuits; Competed in inaugural Women’s Open of Virginia; Compete in PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach through First Tee; Four years varsity golf at Salem High School, captain senior year.
- Extracurricular Activities: Salem Night Live (acting/writing/directing); Spanish Honor Society; National Honor Society; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; American Sign Language Club; Spirit Club; Student Council Association; Prom Committee.
- Volunteer Activities: FCA, preschool Sunday School teacher; First Tee – Roanoke Valley, instruction; Red Cross blood drives; SCA, volunteer for multiple school events.
- Honors/Awards: AP Scholar, 2021; AP Scholar with Distinction, 2022
- College: Christopher Newport University (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: Blacksburg CC
Ashley Flood (Midlothian/Midlothian HS)
- Golf Involvement: VSGA, U.S. Kids Golf, PGA Junior League, Peggy Kirk Bell, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, UNC Golf Camp; Only second girl from Midlothian HS to compete in the VHSL Girls’ Open Championship.
- Extracurricular Activities: Class of 2024 VP of Records; Latin Club VP & President; Women’s Empowerment Club Marketing Officer; Science National Honor Society Historian/PR.
- Volunteer Activities: Chesterfield County Soil and Water Conservation Fellow; Laura Thompson Campaign Internship; Freshman/New Student “Sidekick”; St. Edwards Discipleship Team; Camp Invention Leadership intern.
- Honors/Awards: FBLA, first in region, 2023; DECA regional qualifier, 2021-23; National Honor Society; Science Honor Society; Latin Honor Society; English Honor Society; Math Honor Society; All-A Honor Roll.
- College: Clemson University
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
Xander Goboy (Chesapeake/Catholic HS)
- Golf Involvement: VSGA championships (three-time winner, MAPGA/VSGA Junior Four-Ball Championship), U.S. Kids Golf, Catholic varsity golf team, captain.
- Extracurricular Activities: Chemistry Club, Operation Smile.
- Volunteer Activities: Eastern Shore Chapel; First Tee – Hampton Road; Toys for Tots.
- Honors/Awards: Academic Excellence Award, first honors, special scholarship award, 2021; Academic Excellence Award, first honors, golf scholarship award, 2022-23.
- College: North Carolina State (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
Kylee Graham (Williamsburg/Warhill HS)
- Golf Involvement: Works at Two Rivers Country Club
- Extracurricular Activities: Editor-in-Chief of school yearbook; Pep Club; Hair and Makeup Crew for school theater; Coastal Hampton Roads Volleyball Club; Virginia Venom Volleyball Club.
- Volunteer Activities: Prom Assistant; Assisted in organizing and planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society
- College: Virginia Peninsula Community College
- Parent member club employee info: Brent Graham (father) is Golf Course Superintendent at Two Rivers CC.
- Student member club employee info: Two Rivers CC, golf cart attendant.
William Hersey (Stephenson/Millbrook HS)
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League through age 12, plays recreationally now.
- Extracurricular Activities: Hagerstown Bulldogs travel hockey; DECA.
- Volunteer Activities: Millbrook Writing Center (writing tutor and mentor); Hagerstown Youth Hockey Association volunteer instructor.
- Honors/Awards: Northwestern District VHSL All-Academic Award, 2022; Millbrook HS Academic Award for 3.5 GPA or higher, 2020-23.
- College: Virginia Tech
- Parent member club employee info: Andy Hersey (father) is Head PGA Professional at Winchester CC
- Student member club employee info: Winchester CC, golf shop/outside services
Blake Hogan (Forest/Jefferson Forest HS)
- Golf Involvement: Team captain and four-year letter winner at Jefferson Forest; VSGA Junior Golf Circuit, Lanto Junior Golf Tour, Blue Ridge Junior Golf Tour.
- Extracurricular Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 2022-24.
- Volunteer Activities: Living Word Baptist Church Praise Band; Living Word Baptist Church Youth Praise Band; Forest Lions’ Club.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society, 2022-24; A Honor Roll, 2020-present.
- College: Bluefield University
Danielle Kenny (Glen Allen/Veritas School)
- Golf Involvement: Veritas varsity golf team, captain in 2024; VSGA Junior Golf Circuit, Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Tour, College Prep Golf Tour.
- Extracurricular Activities: House Leader at Veritas; Violin player in school orchestra.
- Volunteer Activities: Hope Church in the Children Ministry for babies, toddlers, and elementary age.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society, 2022-24; A Honor Roll, 2020-present.
- College: University of Virginia
- Student Member Club employee info: First Tee – Greater Richmond
Ryan Kidd (Blacksburg/Blacksburg HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year varsity golf letterwinner at Blacksburg HS.
- Extracurricular Activities: National Society of High School Scholars; Student Athlete Committee for varsity boys basketball at BHS.
- Volunteer Activities: Fun Beginnings Basketball Camps
- Honors/Awards: Principal’s List
- College: University of Central Florida
- Student Member Club employee info: Blacksburg CC, outside golf attendant
Piper Kingsley (Fredericksburg/James Monroe HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner James Monroe HS varsity golf, captain in 2023; PGA Junior League.
- Extracurricular Activities: Girl Scouts; Future Business Leaders of America; Student Council Association; Key Club; James Monroe Ambassadors; Astronomy Club; National Honor Society; Yearbook (editor in 2023-24).
- Volunteer Activities: Rappahannock Rotary; Tree Fredericksburg; Friends of the Rappahannock; Downtown Greens; Hope House; Food Bank; Habitat For Humanity; Ceili Leahy Day of Service; Backstage for talent show at JMHS.
- Honors/Awards: Monroe Scholar (All A’s honor roll); Fredericksburg Summer Governors School; Virginia Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.
- College: University of Virginia
Nolan Konecny (Mechanicsville/Atlee HS)
- Golf Involvement: Recreational player; Hopes to study turfgrass science in college.
- Extracurricular Activities: FFA; National Beta Club; Turfgrass program.
- Volunteer Activities: Atlee Boys Lacrosse Camp; Box Lacrosse; Wreaths Across America.
- Honors/Awards: Michaels College Book Award; National Stars and Stripes Field Design; Hanover Scholar.
- College: University of Tennessee/Pellissippi State CC
- Student member club employee info: Lakeside Park Club, course and golf range maintenance
August Lange (Richmond/St. Christopher’s)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner St. Christopher’s varsity golf; VSGA events.
- Extracurricular Activities: Secretary, Honor Council; Peer advisor; Selected student, Cochrane Summer Economics Institute; Student, True Immersions Spanish Immersion Program.
- Volunteer Activities: Co-leader RVA 1004100 Non-Profit; The Sacred Heart Center.
- Honors/Awards: UVA Echols Scholar, Spanish Award; Salutatorian; School’s nominee, Governor’s World Language Institute (Spanish); Dartmouth Book Award; AP Scholar With Distinction; Jefferson Scholarship nominee.
- College: University of Virginia (Echols Scholar)
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
Harris Lechtman (Falls Church/Marshall HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner, Marshall varsity golf.
- Extracurricular Activities: Robotics Team, electrical team member; NOVA Makers.
- Volunteer Activities: Social media and research intern, National Links Trust; Mount Vernon Student Advisory Board Member; Teen Council member.
- Honors/Awards: Fairfax County Regional Science and Engineering Fair, first place; Marshall Science fair, grand prize winner; National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Math Honor Society.
- College: Virginia Tech
- VSGA member: VSGA Junior Golf Circuit
- Student member club employee info: Oakmont Golf Course, range attendant
Katherine Lindley (Mechanicsville/Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School)
- Golf Involvement: Two-year letterwinner, Maggie Walker golf team, captain senior year.
- Extracurricular Activities: School Jazz Ensemble pianist; Capella Youth Choir at Shady Grove United Methodist Church; Celebration Bells Choir at Shady Grove; Lead 4:12 Cohort Member and Kitchen Staff with Jeremiah Project.
- Volunteer Activities: Junior Advisory Board, First Tee – Greater Richmond; Gold Award Recipient with Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia (responded to recent local book bans by restoring community access to banned books through book nooks, talk totes, and an app she developed and coded); Program Aide Camp Evening Shade.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society; American Sign Language Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction.
- College: Georgia Tech
- Student member club employee info: First Tee – Greater Richmond, junior coach
Ryan Lloyd (Glen Allen/Trinity Episcopal School)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Trinity Episcopal varsity team, captain 2024 spring season; VSGA, AJGA, U.S. Kids Golf events.
- Extracurricular Activities: Henrico Sports and Entertainment Authority marketing intern; TESPN (sports broadcasting group at high school); Trinity Episcopal School Sports Club, founder and president; FAME Club; FCA.
- Volunteer Activities: First Tee – Greater Richmond
- Honors/Awards: Headmasters List; Honor Roll
- College: Elon University
- VSGA member: The Federal Club
- Student member club employee info: The Federal Club, outside staff; Sycamore Creek GC, pro shop attendant
Luke Manno (Manakin Sabot/Goochland HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner and captain for Goochland varsity team; Did not start playing until age 13.
- Extracurricular Activities: GHS Veterans Project intern; GHS Student Ambassador; National Honor Society; National Math Honor Society.
- Volunteer Activities: Angel Tree volunteer; Goochland Cares volunteer.
- Honors/Awards: All-A Honor Roll, 9th and 11th grade; Dual Enrollment through Advanced College Academy Program with Goochland HS and Reynolds CC
- College: University of Georgia
- VSGA member: The Federal Club
- Student member club employee info: Kinloch GC, outside operations
Trey Marrion (Chesapeake/Great Bridge HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Great Bridge varsity team; three-time winner of the MAPGA/VSGA Junior Four-Ball Championship.
- Extracurricular Activities: National Honor Society; GBHS Key Club; GBHS Wildcat Ambassador; Oak Grove Methodist United Church Youth Group.
- Volunteer Activities: S. Kids Golf Hampton Roads; Chesapeake Arboretum; Norfolk Food Bank; Military Appreciation Event at GBHS.
- Honors/Awards: Superintendent’s Honor Roll, 2021, 2023-24; Chesapeake Sports Club Student Athlete of the Year for Golf, 2022-24; Chesapeake Sports Club Athlete of the Year, 2024.
- College: University of Illinois (will play for golf team)
- VSGA member: Cypress Point CC
Declan McDonald (Virginia Beach/Norfolk Christian)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Norfolk Christian varsity team; VSGA events.
- Extracurricular Activities: Student Government; National Art Honor Society; National Honor Society.
- Volunteer Activities: Sunday School teacher at Grace Bible Church.
- Honors/Awards: Director’s List; High Honor Roll.
- College: Campbell University
- VSGA member: VSGA eClub
Matkins Milligan (Henrico/Godwin HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Godwin varsity team, team captain.
- Extracurricular Activities: Basketball league; School ping-pong club
- Volunteer Activities: Help at Hermitage CC with clinics/camps; Help teachers at an elementary school.
- Honors/Awards: National Society of High School Scholars
- College: Coastal Carolina University
- VSGA Member: Hermitage CC
- Parent Member Club employee info: Knox Milligan (father) is Assistant PGA Professional at Hermitage CC.
Uzair Mirza (Roanoke/North Cross)
- Golf Involvement: Three-time MVP of North Cross varsity team, captain senior year; Individual conference and state champion in 2023.
- Extracurricular Activities: Coding Club; Robotics Club; 4-H in Roanoke; Model UN; Media Club member; Student Council Association.
- Volunteer Activities: Volunteered at an orphanage in Kashmir, India; Local Rescue Mission; Shadowed Dr. Lubna Wani at Carilion Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
- Honors/Awards: Spelling Bee champion, 2020; A-Honor Roll; Distinction in STEM with Honors; Distinction in Global Studies with Honors
- College: George Mason University (will play for golf team)
- VSGA Member: Roanoke CC
Josephine Nguyen (Springfield/Lake Braddock HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Lake Braddock varsity team, captain senior year.
- Extracurricular Activities: Founder and president of Lake Braddock Girls in Roles of Leadership Club; Lake Braddock Athletic Council; Ace Participant, First Tee – Greater Washington D.C.; National Honor Society; National Art Honor Society; Key Club; E-leader Girls Golf Greater Washington DC.
- Volunteer Activities: First Tee – Greater Washington D.C. volunteer coach; Girls Golf Greater Washington D.C. volunteer coach; Peer tutor.
- Honors/Awards: Lake Braddock Academic Letter Award; AP Scholar with Honor
- College: Drew University (will play for golf team)
- VSGA Member: First Tee – Greater Washington D.C.
Jennifer Osborne (Ashburn/Stone Bridge HS)
- Golf Involvement: VSGA, MAPGA, AJGA, and Peggy Kirk Bell tournaments; Three-year letterwinner at Stone Bridge HS, was manager of the team senior year due to wrist injury.
- Extracurricular Activities: Stone Bridge HS Debate Club; Stone Bridge Symphonic and Jazz bands (trumpet, baritone, and trombone).
- Volunteer Activities: Volunteered at local elementary schools; Volunteer at VSGA Junior Golf Circuit events, along with MAPGA and U.S. Kids Golf events; Salvation Army bell ringer.
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society
- College: William & Mary (will play for golf team)
- VSGA Member: Junior Golf Circuit
- Student member club employee info: Brambleton Golf Course, pro shop attendant
Benjamin Parrack (Glen Allen/Glen Allen HS)
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League; VSGA Junior Golf Circuit; four-year letterwinner for Glen Allen’s varsity team.
- Extracurricular Activities: Technology Student Association, Treasurer; Internship at the Virginia Department of Education; N.C. State University Engineering Camp; Key Club; Chess Club.
- Volunteer Activities: Ran golf booth for middle school “Sports in STEAM” event; Prepared/distributed food for those in need; Tutored biology/chemistry students; Volunteered as a page for Henrico County during general election; Ran fundraising booth at homecoming fair.
- Honors/Awards: AP Scholar with Distinction; National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society
- College: Virginia Tech
Jackson Plummer (Lorton/South County HS)
- Golf Involvement: Three-year letterwinner for South County HS’s varsity team; Earned Coach’s Award senior year.
- Honors/Awards: Honor Roll
- College: Virginia Tech
- VSGA Member: VSGA eClub
- Parent Member Club Involvement: Father Phillip Plummer works in pro shop/cart staff at Laurel Hill GC
- Student Member Club Involvement: Volunteer as starter at Laurel Hill GC
Leah Rafii (Burke/Robinson HS)
- Golf Involvement: S. Kids Golf; LPGA Leadership Academy; Participant on Robinson’s girls’ varsity and co-ed varsity teams, girls’ captain senior year.
- Extracurricular Activities: Latin Honor Society, Vice President senior year; Teacher Assistant; National Honor Society.
- Volunteer Activities: Volunteer assistant golf coach with First Tee; Million Mask Challenge, crafting more than 1,000 fabric masks during early COVID; Peer Tutoring.
- Honors/Awards: Magna Cum Laude IB Latin 1; Robinson Secondary Scholar Athlete; U.S. Kids Golf Season points champion; “A” honor roll throughout high school.
- College: University of South Carolina
Matthew Santee (Bristow/Patriot HS)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Patriot HS varsity team.
- Extracurricular Activities: National Science Honor Society; AP Scholars Program; Co-leader of Red Nation (Patriot HS student section)
- Volunteer Activities: Volunteer at local church Christmas Day dinner, feeding free meals to community and local first responders; Volunteer as announcer at Patriot home baseball games.
- Honors/Awards: Honor Roll
- College: Florida Gulf Coast University
- VSGA Member: USGA/VSGA GC
- Student Member Club Employee Information: Prince William Golf Course, cart attendant and junior camp counselor
Charlotte Sargent (Keswick/Laurel Springs School)
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League; First Tee – Blue Ridge
- Extracurricular Activities: Voces Laetae community choir; Environmental Club; Book Club; Math Team; Astronomy Club.
- Volunteer Activities: Peer Mentoring; Volunteer Golf Coach, First Tee – Blue Ridge
- Honors/Awards: National Honor Society; Math Honor Society
- College: University of Kansas
- VSGA Member: Orchard Creek
Isaac Scheulen (Chester Gap/Rappahannock County HS)
- Golf Involvement: Five-year letterwinner for RCHS golf team; Region 1B Champion and Player of the Year in sophomore season.
- Extracurricular Activities: Peer mentor; Mountain Vista Governor’s School Student Ambassador
- Volunteer Activities: Chemistry tutor; Food pantry; Counselor at local day camps and local summer camps; Intern at SummerQuest Regional Governor’s School; Assistant with local youth basketball league.
- Honors/Awards: Ranked 1st in class; College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award; Mountain Vista Governor’s School; National Honor Society; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society; Latin Etymology Award; Will graduate with Associate’s Degree (through Governor’s School/dual enrollment) two week prior to graduating high school.
- College: Virginia Tech
Tyler Truslow (King George/King George HS)
- Golf Involvement: PGA Junior League; Four-year letterwinner for KGHS varsity team, co-captain, senior year.
- Extracurricular Activities: National Technical Honor Society; KGHS DECA co-vice president, 2021-present; FBLA; FCA.
- Volunteer Activities: Peer buddy to special education students; Karen Friedman Baseball Camp for a Cure; Spotsylvania County Little League; Opp Shop Community Outreach; KGHS Fox Stox School Store; American Red Cross blood drive.
- Honors/Awards: Distinguished Honor Roll, 2016-present; KGHS PTSA Reflections, first place, winner in photography 2023; DECA District Competition, first place; National Honor Society; WISE Financial Literacy Industry Certification; NRF Customer Service Industry Certification; College & Workplace Readiness Industry Certification.
- College: Bridgewater College
Grady Williams (Manakin Sabot/Trinity Episcopal)
- Golf Involvement: Four-year letterwinner for Trinity Episcopal varsity team, captain junior and senior years.
- Extracurricular Activities: TESPN (school sports media, broadcasting, and writing club); Fishing Club; Chess Club; FCA; FOCUS; Heavily involved in arts program, having won first place for pottery in two art shows, and having begun locally selling some of his work.
- Volunteer Activities: After-school care group at St. Michael’s School.
- Honors/Awards: Headmaster’s List, all four years of HS; Honor Roll, all four years of HS
- College: William & Mary (will play for golf team)
- VSGA Member: Hermitage Country Club
TURFGRASS RESEARCH AWARDS
Elisabeth Kitchin
- S. candidate in Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science at Virginia Tech
- Researching the improvement of precision pest management, reducing inputs, cutting costs for golf course superintendents, and promoting sustainability in turfgrass maintenance.
Navdeep Godara
- D. candidate in Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science at Virginia Tech
- Researching insecticides and their impact on the pollinator population, including tactics for superintendents to mitigate pollinator exposure issues.
Juan Romero
- D. candidate in Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science at Virginia Tech
- Researching advancements in A.I. including the ability for superintendents to use individual plant treatment with cryogenic liquids & lasers.
Mathew Tucker
- D. candidate in Plant Pathology, Physiology and Weed Science at Virginia Tech
- Researching interactions between lance nematode populations and plant growth regulator use on golf greens in Virginia.
The VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation has a program in place to accept gifts and memorials. Anyone interested in funding a named scholarship or contributing to the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation should contact the VSGA.