Bremen High School District 228 is proud to announce that five of its outstanding students have been awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship — a full housing and tuition college grant for golf caddies.
Among this year’s recipients are Bremen High School students Yoseline De La Rosa and Nayeli Lozano, as well as Oak Forest High School students Lillian Everitt, Aiden Kelly, Ethan Nutile.
These students are among more than 130 from across Illinois who were selected for the scholarship, which is valued at more than $125,000 over four years. This fall, they will begin college as Evans Scholars, attending some of the nation’s top universities.
Administered by the Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, the Evans Scholars Program is the country’s largest scholarship program for golf caddies. The program emphasizes four key selection criteria: a strong caddie record, academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character.
“Since our founding, our Program has changed the lives of young caddies who have proven their dedication in the classroom, on the golf course and in their communities,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “We are proud to welcome this new class from the state of Illinois to the Evans Scholars family.”
Currently, a record 1,190 Evans Scholars are enrolled at 24 universities nationwide, including 134 at the University of Illinois and 65 at the University of Illinois Chicago. Since its founding in 1930 by legendary Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., more than 12,285 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars.
Several recipients, including students from District 228, participated in the WGA’s Caddie Academy — a rigorous summer program that provides promising high school students with daily caddying opportunities, personal growth experiences, and the chance to apply for the Evans Scholarship after three summers of participation.
Evans Scholars maintain a strong academic standing, with an average GPA of 3.3 and a graduation rate of 98 percent. Notably, 40 percent are first-generation college students, and 95 percent are employed or pursuing graduate studies within six months of graduation.
The Evans Scholarship is funded primarily through donations from over 36,000 supporters nationwide, as well as proceeds from the BMW Championship — a premier PGA TOUR Playoff event. The 2025 BMW Championship will take place August 12–17 at Caves Valley Golf Club near Baltimore, Maryland.
District 228 extends its warmest congratulations to all five students for their remarkable achievements and wishes them continued success in their college careers.