By Anna Skinner
Three Westfield High School students don’t have to worry about ways to pay for college after receiving a full-ride scholarship to select universities because of the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Scholarship program.
Siblings Andrew and Megan Hedges of Sheridan and Ethan Parsley of Westfield began caddying at Wood Wind Golf Course in Westfield when they were 16.
After more than 400 hours of work, as well as having a financial need, maintaining a high GPA, being involved in after-school activities and completing an application process before speaking in front of 150 previous Evans Scholars did the Hedges twins and Parsley earn the scholarship.
“It’s not a program that a lot of people know about. My dad was an Evan’s Scholar, and that’s how we heard about it,” said Andrew, who plans on using his scholarship to go to Purdue for mechanical engineering. “Just seeing the success that he had made me want to follow in his footsteps and have that same success, and I always dreamed of being an Evan’s Scholar.”
Megan plans to attend Indiana University for interior design. The twins have two younger sisters who are also beginning to get involved in the caddie program.
“I’ve definitely become more outgoing and (more) able to speak with adults,” Megan said. “I’m always having to talk to the golfers and make small talk with people.”
The twins participated in National Honor Society for their school activity.
Parsley was also a National Honor Society member and is involved in marching band, choir, track and cross country.
“It really taught me how to connect with people, any and all people,” said Parsley, who plans to attend IU as well, but hopes to get involved in the Kelley School of Business for business management. “It really taught me hard work and taught me a lot of patience. It’s a great job, and it’s very important to me.”
In addition to the scholarship, the caddies also get paid for their time on the golf course. They have to complete one more summer of caddying.
The Western Golf Association will be bringing the BMW Championship back to the Crooked Stick golf course this year, and all proceeds benefit the Evans Scholar Program.
Eleven high school seniors from Indiana were awarded the scholarship. For more, visit wgaesf.org.
