Five Saint Patrick High School seniors have received full tuition and housing college scholarships thanks to the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship.
The scholarships – which are renewable for up to four years – are awarded to high school seniors who have a strong caddie record, excellent grades, outstanding character and demonstrated financial need. The five Shamrocks who received Evans Scholarships this year are: Tommy Brannick, Mike Dattalo, Nick Dattalo, Richard Eberwein and Michael Valicento. More information on each student can be found below.
With the addition of these five students to the Evans family, Saint Patrick has now had 98 students earn the prestigious scholarship. The school leads the nation in Evans Scholars, with 15 graduates currently receieving a tuition-free education.
Saint Patrick President Dr. Joseph G. Schmidt – a board member of the Western Golf Association – is extremely proud of the efforts he’s seen from St. Pat’s students over the years, and strongly believes that caddying can help young men set themselves up for success later in life.
“Caddying is more than a summer job – it’s an investment in the future,” Schmidt said. “It’s on the links where caddies are mentored by successful adults, learn life lessons, hone a strong work ethic and take their own shot at opportunity: Earning an Evans Scholarship.”
Many of the students earning scholarships now have opportunities that would not otherwise have been possible for themselves and their families. Valicento, for example, will become the first member of his family to go to college.
“I’m going to use it as a next step of me getting to where I want to be, and that’s being successful,” he said.
Brannick said earning the scholarship means he will now be able to focus on his academic career in college, rather than having to take on a part-time job while being a full-time student.
“It’s an opportunity to strive in college and not have to worry about finances,” he said.
(Left to right in image above)
Nick Dattalo
College: University of Indiana
Caddy Location: Oak Park Country Club
Elementary School: St. Cyprian
Michael Valicento
College: University of Illinois
Caddy Location: Ridgemoor Country Club
Elementary School: Dever Elementary
Mike Dattalo
College: University of Illinois
Caddy Location: Oak Park Country Club
Elementary School: St. Cyprian
Richard Eberwein
College: University of Illinois
Caddy Location: Park Ridge Country Club
Elementary School: St. Francis Borgia
Tommy Brannick
College: Marquette University
Caddy Location: Ridgemoor Country Club
Elementary School: St. Viator
