THE JOE AND TRACEY DURANT GPJGA SCHOLARSHIP
Background on Scholarship
The Joe and Tracey Durant GPJGA Scholarship Fund has been established by the Board of Directors of The Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association and First Tee Gulf Coast to honor the legacy of two of our Chapter’s greatest supporters. Joe and Tracey (Tolomeo) Durant both grew up playing junior golf in the Pensacola area and graduated from Escambia and Tate High Schools respectively. Joe went on to play golf at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was a three-time NAIA All-American and won the NAIA Championship in 1987. He turned professional upon graduating and has won four events on the PGA TOUR and two on the PGA TOUR Champions; Tracey is an alumnus of the University of West Florida.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be actively participating as member of First Tee Gulf Coast or the GPJGA (Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association) and graduate high school prior to the end of the 2023/2024 school year. Recipients must be accepted and planning to enroll as full-time college students in the Fall 2024 semester.
Applications may be mailed or emailed to:
The Joe and Tracy Durant College Scholarship Fund c/o Steve Bobe - Scholarship Chairman.
Email: [email protected]
THE THERESA STANOVICH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The Theresa Stanovich Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to promote and encourage the attainment of higher education for a young lady or gentleman who would like to attend college or university and for whom financial need may pose a significant hurdle. This Scholarship was one of the final requests of Mrs. Theresa Jones Stanovich, a native Pensacolian, Tate High School Graduate and Gulf Power Retiree who never had the opportunity to attend college herself. The wife of PGA Professional Martin “Stan” Stanovich, a former golfer and long-time supporter of the golf community, Mrs. Stanovich was proud to know that in perpetuity, each year one alumnus of The Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association and/or First Tee Gulf Coast would receive a scholarship in her name. This program is designed to award at least one scholarship annually with a minimum of $1000 or more based on donations received/monies raised.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicant must be an active multi-year participant of the GPJGA and/or First Tee Gulf Coast and graduate high school prior to the end of the current school year. Golfing ability is not a criterion, though program participation is required for eligibility. Recipients must be accepted to and planning to enroll as a full-time college student in the upcoming fall semester. Applicant should have also demonstrated an above average level of academic achievement during high school. A statement of financial need is not required to apply, but will be strongly considered if included, as was Mrs. Stanovich’s request. Applicants are encouraged to also apply for the Joe and Tracey Durant GPJGA Scholarship.
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
ACT/SAT Scores
Class Ranking
Community Service and Extracurricular Activities beyond Golf
Financial Need
Grade Point Average
*Applicants for the Joe & Tracey Durant GPJGA Scholarship will be automatically considered for the Theresa Stanovich Memorial Scholarship. Applicants cannot win both scholarships.
For questions, CONTACT:
First Tee Gulf Coast (850) 456-7010 [email protected]
The Dr James Pewitt Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship will be given annually to a graduating senior in order to help them attend the college or university of their choice. “Jim” was a kind generous and wonderful husband, father, dentist, businessman and friend to so many…he was especially passionate about golf, tennis, travel and his Gulf Breeze Community. The Scholarship was by established by Jim’s the friends and family following his untimely passing in 2020. Funds are raised through an annual golf tournament held in Jim’s honor, and the tournament and scholarship are administered by First Tee Gulf Coast/GPJGA.
Requirements and preferences:
Minimum 3.0 GPA (SAT & ACT scores will also be considered Applicant must have participated in Varsity Golf in High School and additionally in the First Tee Gulf Coast/GPJGA Additional Extracurriculars and Community Service should be submitted for review. Preference will be given to applicants enrolled in State of Florida or Alabama in Fall of 2024 & Applicants attending NW Florida or Southern Alabama high schools
Important dates:
Request your application no later than June 13, 2024 by emailing Chairman Steve Bobe at [email protected] Complete and return application (with all required materials) to The First Tee Gulf Coast Office at 3924 West Navy Boulevard, Warrington, Florida, 32507 no later than 4 PM on July 7, 2024. The scholarship amount for 2024 is expected to be a minimum of $1500, but may be higher based on the success of this year’s Scholarship Golf Tournament. The scholarship will be awarded at the 67th Annual Divot Derby Banquet on July 18, 2024 at Sanders Beach Community Center in Pensacola. The recipient is expected to accept in person and reserved seats for recipient and two family members at the banquet will be provided.
Steps to apply for scholarships:
1. BY JUNE 13, 2024 - Email Steve Bobe at [email protected] to express interest in applying and request an application package
2. Read the application in its entirety, fill out completely and include all required documentation requested.
3. BY JULY 7, 2024 - Submit application
Option A: Email application and all documents to [email protected]
Option B: Drop off physical copy at First Tee Gulf Coast office (3924 W Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL)
4. Ensure that you are available to attend the GPJGA Divot Derby Banquet on July 18, 2024 at Sanders Beach Community Center, 6-9PM in the case that you are awarded one of the scholarships. Winner must be able to attend the banquet and accept the scholarship in person.