TWO SAINT PATRICK SENIORS NAMED CHICK EVANS SCHOLARS

April 7, 2023

Saint Patrick High School is proud to announce that two seniors, Liam Conneely and Kenton Doyle, have received full tuition and housing scholarships through the Western Golf Association’s Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship.

Liam Conneely ‘23, who attended Pope Francis Global Academy, is one of five siblings and the second in his family to receive this scholarship. Liam says “My brother, Martin ‘14, pushed me to caddie and showed me what it had to offer after he received the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship himself. He showed me that caddying was more than just a summer job, and how it was rather a way to meet new people and develop connections.”

Conneely explained that one of the many reasons he chose St. Pat’s was “because my two older brothers (Colman ‘12 and Martin ‘14) told me that it was an experience of a lifetime with so many opportunities to succeed.”

During his four years at St. Pat’s, Liam has been involved in French Club, Health & Fitness Club, and plays as the lead guitarist for the Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Shamrock Combo Band, performing at several different events, parades, and playing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at athletic games. Conneely was also selected to be the senior speaker at the 55th Annual Green & Gold Gala, the school’s largest fundraiser of the year, where he reflected on his experience at St. Pat’s and represented the Class of 2023.

“What I have always loved about caddying is waking up in the morning not knowing who I was going to caddy for. I have met so many inspiring people that I have learned so much from, and I have developed many connections that will last a lifetime.”

Liam is grateful for all the help and support he has received from his parents, Dr. Joe Schmidt, Nick Davies (Ridgemoor Country Club Caddymaster), Board Chairman Mick O’Rourke ‘86, Br. David Galinski, FSC, Dan Kusinski ‘75, Kevin Golden ‘05, and the entire Shamrock Community.

Liam will attend the University of Kansas in the fall where he plans to study Finance.

Kenton Doyle ‘23, who attended St. Celestine, has been very involved throughout his time at St. Pat’s. He is the current National Honor Society President, has been a member of several clubs and activities including Shamrock Council, Lasallian Youth, Webcasting Crew, Liturgy Team, STEAM Club, and 3D Printing Club, played on the golf and the swimming teams for two years, and served as a Kairos leader.

As a Boy Scout for 13 years and an Eagle Scout candidate, Doyle has always shown a strong work ethic both in and out of school. He says, “one of the many lessons I have learned from caddying is a sense of responsibility. My first year of caddying, I had the responsibility to wake up at 5 am every day and bike to the club to be one of the first caddies at the club. During my third year, I was asked to work as a bag room employee as well as caddying, so I learned more about responsibility working two separate jobs.”

Kenton has had a large support system over the last four years including his friends, previous and current Evans Scholars, and members of Oak Park Country Club, but he is especially grateful for the guidance and help of his family, Scott Medin (Oak Park Country Club Caddie Manager), Mr. Craine, Mrs. Fiorante, Mr. McIntee, Mr. Kusinski, and Dr. Schmidt.

While caddying, Kenton has gained skills and knowledge that led him to earn the scholarship and will benefit him in college and beyond. “Receiving the scholarship is one of the best things that could happen to my family, but it also means that there is a lot of work that I need to do in order to maintain this scholarship and to move forward, but I am looking forward to these challenges” says Doyle.

Kenton will be studying Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University in the fall.

The scholarships – renewable for up to four years – are awarded to high school seniors who have a strong caddie record, excellent grades, outstanding character and demonstrated financial need. The scholarships are offered at 22 top universities across the country and can be worth up to $150,000 – $200,000 over four years.

With the addition of the two Shamrocks to the Evans family, the school has had a total of 110 students earn the prestigious scholarship.