Celebrating Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients — $100,000 in Scholarships Awarded
On August 6, the I AM a Golfer Foundation proudly celebrated 11 outstanding scholars as recipients of our 2026 Scholarship Program. Together, these deserving young people received $100,000 in scholarship support to help them continue their education and pursue their future goals.
The celebration recognized the accomplishments of our scholars while also honoring the donors, sponsors, partners, mentors, and supporters who make these opportunities possible.
This year also marks an important milestone for the Foundation. Since beginning our scholarship efforts in 2017, I AM a Golfer Foundation has now surpassed $500,000 in scholarships awarded, representing 80 scholarship awards.
Those numbers reflect a growing investment in young people and a commitment that extends beyond a single scholarship.
From Interns to Scholarship Recipients
For many of this year’s recipients, their journey with I AM a Golfer Foundation began well before the scholarship luncheon.
Throughout the summer, our interns gained valuable professional and life experience while contributing to the mission and daily work of the Foundation. From developing workplace and communication skills to learning the importance of leadership, responsibility, teamwork, and service, each intern embraced opportunities to learn, contribute, and grow.
Their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones, take on new responsibilities, and make meaningful contributions made celebrating this year’s scholarship recipients especially rewarding.
Scholarship support is an extension of that investment. Together, education, professional experiences, mentorship, and meaningful relationships help equip young people with the tools and opportunities to take their next steps with confidence.
None of this work happens alone.
The Power of Community and Partnership
The $100,000 awarded through the 2026 Scholarship Program represents the collective impact of donors, sponsors, partners, mentors, and supporters who believe in investing in young people.
We were honored to celebrate this milestone alongside many of the individuals and organizations who have helped make this work possible. Their continued generosity and partnership strengthen our ability to expand access to education, professional development, mentorship, and future opportunities.
From longstanding partners within the golf community to corporate and individual supporters, each plays an important role in advancing our shared commitment to the next generation.
Our scholarship efforts are also strengthened by relationships with organizations that share our belief in the power of education and opportunity. Through these partnerships, we are able to extend our impact and continue creating pathways for young people both on and beyond the golf course.
That spirit of community was evident throughout our 2026 Scholarship Luncheon, as scholars, families, partners, and supporters came together to celebrate this year’s recipients and the opportunities ahead.
A Celebration of What Comes Next
The luncheon was more than an opportunity to present scholarships. It was a chance to recognize the hard work that brought our scholars to this moment and encourage them as they prepare for what comes next.
The celebration featured Ric Clarson, Founder and President of Clarson Advisory Group, as our keynote speaker. Clarson shared an encouraging message centered on personal and professional growth and challenged our scholars to continue looking ahead as they pursue their goals.
Having our scholars, families, donors, partners, and community supporters together made the occasion especially meaningful. It was an opportunity to celebrate what these young people have accomplished while reminding them of the community standing behind them as they move forward.
Click here to check out photos from the day.
Investing in What Comes Next
The 2026 Scholarship Program represents an important milestone for the I AM a Golfer Foundation:
$100,000 awarded in 2026. More than $500,000 awarded since 2017. 80 scholarship awards. A growing community committed to creating opportunities for young people.
Behind those numbers is a network of donors, sponsors, partners, mentors, and supporters who continue to make this work possible.
To everyone who supports the I AM a Golfer Foundation: thank you for investing in the next generation.
And to our 11 scholarship recipients: Congratulations! We are proud to celebrate your hard work and accomplishments and look forward to seeing where your journeys take you next.
Together, we are continuing to invest in education, expand opportunity, and help prepare the next generation for what comes next.
Meet Our 2026 Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to celebrate the 11 scholars who make up our 2026 scholarship class.
Akela Larzeia
School/University:
University of Texas at Arlington
Major:
Business
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Aris Preston
School/University:
Howard University
Major:
Accounting
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Celena Abella
School/University:
University of Texas at Dallas
Major:
Business Adminstration
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
De'Asia Williams
School/University:
Midwestern State University
Major:
Radiology
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Derek Neal
School/University:
Texas Christian University
Major:
Finance; Real Estate
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Dayami Blanco
School/University:
University of Texas at Arlington
Major:
Kinesology
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2030
Jaylon Brooks
School/University:
UEI Dallas
Major:
Electrical Engineering
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Kristopher Thomas
School/University:
Texas Christian University
Major:
Finance; Real Estate
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Ky'Shun Green
School/University:
East Texas A&M University
Major:
Sports Media
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2030
Ocean Evans
School/University:
Lamar University
Major:
Commmunication Broadcasting
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2028
Payton Perkins
School/University:
Texas A&M University- Texarkana
Major:
Accounting
Anticiapted Graduation Year:
May 2027