Phoenix, AZ – Golf It Forward® (GIF) is pleased to announce that in conjunction with the LPGA Foundation, 25 young ladies have each earned a $5,000 Marilynn Smith College Scholarship for 2024. This brings the total number of young women who have received a Marilynn Smith Scholarship to 264.
The Marilynn Smith Scholarship program was established in 1999 by Ms. Smith. As a college student, she was denied financial assistance because she was a girl. Determined to make a difference, Marilynn, along with the LPGA Foundation, established her scholarship program. Thus far, $1.37 million in scholarships have been awarded.
Each year, candidates must complete a questionnaire, watch The Founders film and write an essay about the film, ensuring that the story of the women who created the longest running women’s sports organization is not forgotten. This year’s class of ‘Marilynn’s Pearls’, as the recipients are known, come from 15 different states, with Ohio leading the list with five girls, followed by Texas and Illinois with three each.
Each young lady has a background which includes golf, community service and scholastic success with a passion for the world around them. “The LPGA Founders have inspired me to stand up for what is right,” stated Halle Richter, a 2024 recipient. “Marilynn and the other Founders will serve as role models to me, not only in golf, but professionally as well.”
They will follow many varied pathways during their college careers, including Science, Education, Ministry, Math, and some hope for a career as a professional golfer or golf professional, perhaps one day working with the LPGA or PGA.
“Just like Marilynn’s sunny smile, I am inspired to take that optimism and positive attitude with me for golf and all my other professional and personal pursuits,” said 2024 recipient Caroline Thompson.
2024 Marilynn Smith Scholarship Recipients are:
Madeline Bante – CO
Hailey Blancas – WA
Brielle Burns – TX
Avery Chappell – MO
Anna Eckmann – MN
Alexis Elliott – KS
Ava Frederiksen – WI
Avery Janutolo – KY
Jaycee Jenkins – TX
Raleigh Lard – AZ
Hannah Martin – TX
Sienna Maschke – OH
Nicole McGuire – IL
Lauren McPhillips-Newcomb – IL
Alayna Meyer – OH
Sammi Miller – OH
Caroline Owens – IL
Mia Pace – PA
Morgan Peterson – CT
Halle Richter – WA
Kayla Schaull – AR
Kinsley Smith – NC
Kennedy Scenic – NY
Caroline Thompson – OH
Waverly Yang – MN
To learn more about the PEARLS or to donate to the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Program, visitwww.golfitforward.org.
ABOUT GOLF IT FORWARD®(GIF)
GOLF IT FORWARD is the public face of the Marilynn Smith and Founders’ Legacy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The foundation embodies the ingenuity, drive and passion of 13 women who had the foresight to see that there was a future for women in golf and golf in the future of women. For more information on GIF, please go to www.GolfItForward.org
PRESS CONTACT: Debbie Waitkus – Foundation President, 602-722-3605
