USTA SERVES TO GRANT 78 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TOTALING OVER $400,000
USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the United States Tennis Association, today announced that it will grant 78 high school students a variety of college scholarships totaling over $400,000.
One objective of USTA Serves is to encourage children to pursue their goals and highest dreams by succeeding in school and becoming responsible citizens. Each year, USTA Serves awards scholarships to deserving youth who have participated in USTA and other organized youth tennis programs, have demonstrated high academic achievement, and require financial assistance for college matriculation.
"USTA Serves is proud to help these deserving students across the country begin their college careers," said Mary Carillo, President, USTA Serves. "Each year we are inspired by the students’ ability to balance outstanding academic achievements with community service and an involvement in tennis. It is our hope and firm belief that these young men and women will continue to positively impact the sport of tennis and the world at large throughout their lives."
The following scholarships will be granted to high school seniors:
Marian Wood Baird Scholarship Award (one $15,000 award)
Awarded to one high school senior who has excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership, and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program, the Marian Wood Baird Scholarship was created by the Baird family and named in honor of the late Marian Wood Baird, who had been recognized by the USTA for over 40 years of volunteer service. The 2011 recipient is St. Charles East High School senior Claire Hafner of St. Charles, IL.
Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship (two students each receive $7,500 award)
The Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship is granted to two high school seniors who have performed with distinction, and actively participated in extracurricular activities, community service, and an organized tennis program. The award is named for Dwight Filley Davis, who began playing tennis at the age of 15 in 1894. In 1900, the year he graduated from college, Davis purchased a 217-troy ounce silver bowl as a prize for an international lawn tennis competition, marking the birth of the Davis Cup. Davis became president of the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association in 1923. His grandson, Dwight F. Davis, III, created the scholarship to honor his grandfather’s achievements and contributions to tennis. The 2011 recipients are home-schooled senior Grace Trimble of Winchester, KY and University of Detroit Jesuit High School senior Christopher Barnes of Royal Oak, MI.
USTA Serves College Education Scholarship (55 students each receive $6,000 award)
USTA Serves awards college education scholarships annually to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in an organized tennis program.
Arjun Biddanda Grand Haven, MI; Grand Haven High School
Michelle Croak Milwaukee, WI; Whitefish Bay High School
Sara Kline Mogadore, OH; Field High School
Aaron Wall Effingham, IL; Saint Anthony High School
USTA Serves College Textbook Scholarship (16 Students each receive $1,000)
USTA Serves has established a college textbook scholarship which provides a one-time award to assist students in purchasing textbooks or supplies.
Michael Maas, Grosse Point Woods, Mich.; Grosse Pointe North High School
USTA Serves, the National Charitable Foundation of the USTA, provides financial support for disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities through tennis and education programs designed to improve health, build character, teach life skills and motivate students to strive for academic excellence. For more information on USTA Serves, visit www.usta.com/foundation.