Montini Catholic, a Lasallian college preparatory high school in Lombard, is honored to share the news that senior Sam Hemmersmeier (Elmhurst) was selected to receive the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship. As the nation's largest scholarship program for caddies, The Western Golf Association, through their Chick Evans Scholarship, has helped thousands of hardworking young men and women get to college since 1930 with the goal of addressing the many barriers to college graduation faced by students each year. Being among the few who earn the Chick Evans Scholarship has brought prestige and recognition to Sam's academic, athletic and leadership achievements. 

"Finding out I would be receiving the scholarship was certainly one of the best feelings I have ever had," said Sam. "It is like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders because I now know I will not have to worry about paying for college and taking out many thousands in loans. It also put me one step closer to being able to attend an elite university. The fact that a school with prestigious status and exorbitant tuition, which unfortunately go hand in hand, will be possible for me to attend this 2024 is just unbelievable! Lastly, the scholarship makes my dreams of pursuing medical school much brighter as I won’t be coming out of my undergraduate studies with mounting debt."

Parents, Daniel and Susan Hemmersmeier, are extremely proud of Sam who, earlier in his senior year at Montini Catholic was named an Illinois State Scholar, a National Merit Commended Student and a College Board Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. "They know how hard I worked to be in this position and that my dreams are coming true before my eyes. My parents also made sure that, first and foremost, I thank God for the gifts He has given me and the opportunities He has provided; without His Love and Grace I would not be in such an amazing family and outstanding school community."

To be eligible to apply for a Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

Strong caddie record:

Applicants must have caddied, successfully and regularly, for a minimum of two years and are expected to caddie at their sponsoring club the year they apply for the scholarship.

Excellent academics:

Applicants must have completed their junior year of high school with above a B average in college preparatory courses and are required to take the ACT.

Demonstrated financial need:

Applicants must have a need for financial assistance.

Outstanding character:

Applicants must be outstanding in character, integrity and leadership.

"The application process is similar to that of many colleges," explains Sam. "You have to write an essay, send letters of recommendation from the country club and school, fill out personal and family related information, submit test scores, and send transcripts, extracurricular activities, and academic accomplishments. Additionally, financial documents must be sent, and applicants must apply to certain colleges within the Evans program."

He is currently considering two schools in the scholarship’s program - Northwestern University and the University of Notre Dame. "These two schools are my top choices because they have elite academic programs, provide excellent research opportunities, and are not too far from home." He has set the bar very high for himself, with plans to major in engineering, most likely biomedical, and study on the pre-medicine track.

The Visitation School graduate has impressed Montini's faculty and staff from the moment he set foot on campus as a freshman in 2020. "Sam is such an incredibly well-rounded young man," said Math teacher and Math Team coach, Chrissy McManus. "He takes great pride in his academic and athletic achievements while maintaining a strong spiritual life and an excellent sense of humor. Mathematically, he is truly amazing. Not only can he do it ALL, but he can explain it to anyone in such a way that they too will understand. I have really enjoyed my time with Sam; he is a wonderful conversationalist, has an optimistic viewpoint, excellent work ethic, and a wicked sense of humor."   

He credits his success to involvement which has been the name of the game with Sam as a student at Montini Catholic. He has been a vital member of both the Bronco Football and Track & Field Teams earning the honor of captaincy in both. He is also a member of Montini's St. Pope Paul VI Chapter of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Math Team, Peer Ministry Team and Student Government Executive Board. "My favorite activity was definitely football, mostly because of how cool Coach Teddy Fleckles is!!"

Sam credits three Montini faculty/staff members, in particular, for helping him reach the pinnacle of high school success. "Coach Bu (Mike Bukovsky), Coach (Eric) Brechtel, and Mrs. (Chrissy) McManus have helped me to get where I am," he informs. "Coach Bu, my head football coach, has taught me to strive for excellence in more than just football and the importance of being a leader on the field and in the classroom. Mr. Brechtel, my head Track Coach, has helped me learn the significance of servant leadership and that unselfish kindness is something the world needs. Finally, Mrs. McManus, my math teacher and Math Team head coach, has been my instructor for the last four years and has nurtured my passion for math and science - along with demonstrating outstanding commitment to her faith which I do my best to take after." 

Sam is also adamant to acknowledge Ms. Leigh-Anne Kazma and the Kazma Family Foundation for providing him with the Kazma Family Scholarship throughout his years at Montini. A scholarship he received and maintained since his freshman year. "Ms. Kazma provided my family and me with a scholarship the last four years. It has allowed me the opportunity to attend this special school, Montini, and for that I am forever grateful."

"Sam has always embodied the perfect definition of what we believe a Montini Catholic student athlete should be," said Coach Mike Bukovsky '83. "As a senior captain of the Football Team, he was a tremendous leader and positive role model for all of the players in our program. To be able to balance his high level of both academic and athletic achievement, took a tremendous amount of sacrifice and discipline on Sam's part for the last 4 years. I lost track of the number of times I found Sam in the weight room after Math Team, track or football practices when no one else was around, working to be the best he could for himself and for his team. He is truly an outstanding choice for the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship!"

When asked what advice he would give to anyone just starting high school in regards to securing scholarships for college, Sam provided some very sound advice. "I would say that it is important to get involved, take rigorous classes, and build rapport with your teachers. Being well rounded will provide you with the most opportunities, and being well liked means people will be willing to help you at every turn."

​"I am so proud of Sam for all of his accomplishments​,​" said teacher/coach Eric Brechtel. He has earned every one of them. Sam is incredibly hard working and holds himself to the highest standards. It is no surprise he is receiving so much recognition for his hard work.​"

Sam is a member of Visitation Parish in Elmhurst and is a graduate of Visitation School.

The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies.  In 1930, the Western Golf Association and celebrated amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholars Foundation. The first two Evans Scholars enrolled at Northwestern University in 1930, and since then, 11,815 outstanding young men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars. This year, there are 1,100 Evans Scholars enrolled at 24 leading universities nationwide.

Image above:  Sam with Montini Principal Chris Tiritilli