By our friends at the First Tee of Greater Charlotte
The spring semester of senior year is an important time for any high school student. For some it holds the final months before you truly experience independence. The First Tee of Greater Charlotte realizes the impact that going off to college can have not only on the student but on the entire family as well. The Chapter is committed to helping graduating seniors pursue their goal of higher education with financial assistance via The Rudolph-Dadey College Scholarship Fund. The scholarship was created in 2011 to honor the memory of Craig Rudolph and Kevin Dadey who served as assistant golf professionals at Ballantyne Country Club before losing their lives in a helicopter crash. The scholarship fund has continued to grow thanks in large part to an annual golf tournament held each Spring. Thanks to continued support from the community, The Rudolph-Dadey College Scholarship has aided 18 The First Tee of Greater Charlotte alumni and has plans to assist many more in the years to come.
Here is what a few of the current Rudolph-Dadey Scholars at The First Tee of Greater Charlotte have to say about how the scholarship has impacted their college career.
Matthew Hite
I feel so honored that The First Tee of Greater Charlotte has given me the scholarship to help me toward achieving my goal of becoming a golf professional. When I heard the news that I was going to receive the scholarship, I was so excited. My favorite thing about The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is that it gives everybody the chance to learn the sport no matter how much skill and knowledge the individual has with the game of golf.
Olivia Kehoe
My favorite thing about The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is the lifelong friendships I’ve made with peers and coaches. As of now I’m a Business major with a concentration in Marketing and Sports Management with the goal to be a Sports Agent. I’m honored and blessed to be a Rudolph-Dadey Scholarship recipient. Without the help of The First Tee and this scholarship I don’t know where I would be. When I won the scholarship I was ecstatic!
Maurice Crowe
My favorite thing about The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is the lifelong friendships I’ve made with peers and coaches. As of now I’m a Business major with a concentration in Marketing and Sports Management with the goal to be a Sports Agent. I’m honored and blessed to be a Rudolph-Dadey Scholarship recipient. Without the help of The First Tee and this scholarship I don’t know where I would be. When I won the scholarship I was ecstatic!
Michael Byrnes
I was humbled by the award. I thought back to myself about four years previous to that day when I first joined The First Tee of Greater Charlotte’s program, and realized everything The First Tee has done for me. I couldn’t have been more grateful and honored to represent such a great organization and cause. I loved playing golf a lot, but the friendships I have made have been the best part. They encourage and support me, and I have been fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time with them over the years.
Timothy Jennings
I was thrilled when I learned that I would be a scholar recipient. This allows me to spend more time on my golf game and preparing for my internships and future career. Without the scholarship, I would most likely be working and not have the time to better myself that I do now.
Casey Lindo
My favorite thing about The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is the experiences and opportunities that I have had to go to camps and play with pros. I have also made some good friends and met nice people. I also like that I use the life skills often. When I found out I won the scholarship, I felt numb. Then I was speechless-but also very grateful. It was such a surprise and shock the way Ms. Singleton told me during a live TV interview. I feel proud-like I accomplished something very special.
Sam Wimbrow
I feel honored to be able to represent The First Tee of Greater Charlotte in college with the help of the scholarship and am very thankful to the Rudolph and Dadey families for helping me. When I found out that I won the scholarship, it felt fantastic. I was ecstatic to be able to receive the scholarship to help with the cost of college and pursue my dream of getting an education.
Words like these, and students like this are not one in a million. Students involved in The First Tee of Greater Charlotte program are not only more respectful on the golf course, but are also better students in the classroom. The First Tee of Greater Charlotte wants to congratulate all Rudolph-Dadey Scholars, and thank those of you who make opportunities like this possible through your time and donations. You are helping to provide college scholarships to amazing students like these.
The First Tee of Greater Charlotte
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