Vermilion grad receives prestigious scholarship

VERMILION — A recent Vermilion High School graduate received a prestigious financial award for his college expenses. Patrick Anders, a 2023 grad, is a recipient of the Chick Evans scholarship for golf caddies, "a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with limited financial means," according to the Western Golf Association. To qualify, applicants must have a strong caddie record (regularly and successfully for a minimum of two years), "excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character," the golf association states. Scholarship applications are accepted at the beginning of an applicant's senior year of high school, as well as from college freshmen. Anders will attend the University of Notre Dame in Indiana this fall and also be part of the university's Glynn Family honors program. "For more than 90 years, the Western Golf Association has overseen the Evans Scholars Program, which is among the nation's largest privately funded scholarship programs," the organization stated. "It is named in honor of legendary amateur golfer Chick Evans, whose charitable legacy was to help send deserving caddies to college. Since 1930, more than 12,000 young men and women have been awarded Evans Scholarships to some of the nation's top universities." A notable senior year Anders' last year of high school was impressive to say the least. In mid-February, Anders learned, for the third time, that he qualified for the national speech and debate tournament in Congressional debate this week in Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, he was named a National Merit finalist, representing less than 1% of all high school seniors in the United States. Anders also earned, for the third-straight year, the Gay Janis Award for being the most outstanding Congressional debater in the Cleveland District. The award is named after Gilmour Academy's nationally renowned 26-year speech and debate coach. On top of those honors, he scored a 36 on the ACT college admission exam, the best possible score. "We are proud of Patrick's work ethic and unwavering focus on learning," Vermilion High School principal Jennifer Bengele said in March. "Patrick continues to be an exceptional representative of Vermilion High School and has been steadfastly dedicated to his personal development and that of his peers through his active involvement in all facets of the school community." The 2022-23 school year's National Merit finalists are seniors who scored the highest on the 2021 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. To become a National Merit finalist, Anders had to complete a detailed application that provided information about his academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment and other honors and awards received. At Vermilion High School, Anders played golf, tennis and swam; competed in speech and debate and Firelands Challenge; and was involved in Model United Nations, theater, band, student council, Teen Leadership Corps, Big Buddies, Link Crew, Principal's Advisory Council and National Honor Society. He's also an Eagle Scout. _ Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood