3 Crystal Tree Caddies Receive Full-Ride Chick Evans Scholarship

ORLAND PARK, IL — Three students were honored by Orland Park's Board of Trustees with Community Pride Awards, after they were chosen to receive Chick Evans Scholarships from Crystal Tree Golf and Country Club. The award is a full-ride scholarship that includes the cost of tuition, room and board.

Caddies at the Orland Park country club — located at 10700 W. 153rd St. — Maeve Moran, Dylan Manning and Abby Noonen all received the scholarship. The award is given to caddies who demonstrate financial need, hold an excellent academic record, showcase outstanding character and have a strong caddie record, according to Scholarship Story.

Manning attended Carl Sandburg High School and intends to study accounting at the University of Kansas. Moran went to Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, and plans to study business at Indiana University. Noonen attended Lincoln-Way East and plans to study computer science at Miami University of Ohio.

"I know you’re going to do great in school," Mayor Keith Pekau told the students. "You’ve already demonstrated what wonderful young people you are."

Crystal Tree also received a Community Pride Award from the village.

According to a news release from the Western Golf Association, a record of 300 students from across the country have been awarded the scholarship this year. The winners will be attending one of 19 leading partner universities around the country.

The WGA is headquartered in Glenview, and has been overseeing the scholarship program since 1930. It is the country's largest scholarship program for caddies, and 1,045 students are currently enrolled as Evans Scholars across the country. Over 11,300 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

Trustee Brian Riordan said he knows all three recipients personally, and that he has caddied before and"knows how hard it is."

"They are great kids, and the scholarship is unbelievable," Riordan stated during the recognition. "I know how hard that they have all worked for it. They will continue to do so in college."

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