Rockford Park District Foundation awards scholarships to young female golfers

STILLMAN VALLEY, Ill. (WTVO) — Two teen golfers have been awarded scholarships recognizing the hard work of female golfers.

Emma Pierson, who graduated from Belvidere High School, received the Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship, while Amelia Dunseth, who just finished her high school career at Stillman Valley, was awarded the Helen Spencer Junior Girls Scholarship.

Both scholarships were created to support young women for going to college with a passion for golf.

As many as 15 recipients applied for both scholarships, which the Rockford Park District Foundation selected.

Lori Berkes-Nelson, the director of the Rockford Park District Foundation, said, “Jane loved golf. That was her life. And she really wanted to make sure that she could not only support girls in their pursuit of education, but we also receive a portion of her of her estate. Helen Spencer set up the scholarship last year.”

“It really does have a lot of, meaning behind it and meaning to the selection. because there’s only, you know, two recipients, and so they do become like a family in some respects,” she continued.

Pierson said she plans to attend the University of Minnesota-Crookston and play golf as well as basketball.

“It’s something that, like, you have to be really dedicated to to earn this. Like, especially, as I said, I’ve been part of the Rockford Park district since I was nine years old. So it takes a lot of time, dedication and just effort in general,” she said.

Dunseth will stay closer to home, and play at Rock Valley College this fall.

“This means a lot like it will for sure. Like I’ve applied for a few scholarships, but this was one that I really hoped I got, like, because golf related,” she said.

Each girl won $25,000 from two different scholarship awards, so they can continue to play golf at the next level.