News Summary

Benton Orr and DJ Bookard from Aiken, South Carolina, have become the first recipients of the Evans Scholarship from the Old Barnwell golf club’s youth caddie program. Both scholars will pursue their studies at the University of South Carolina, with the scholarships covering over $125,000 in tuition and housing. The Evans Scholars Foundation has a successful track record of supporting young caddies, empowering them to succeed academically. Orr and Bookard’s achievements mark a significant milestone for the local caddie program and highlight the potential expansion of scholarships for future participants.

Aiken, South Carolina – Local high school graduates Benton Orr and DJ Bookard have made history as the inaugural Evans Scholars from the Old Barnwell golf club’s youth caddie program. Both scholars are set to pursue their college education at the University of South Carolina, thanks to generous full tuition and housing scholarships awarded by the Evans Scholars Foundation, which is part of the Western Golf Association (WGA). The scholarships, valued at more than $125,000 over four years, aim to support young caddies in their academic pursuits.

The Evans Scholars Foundation, established over 90 years ago, has provided more than 12,000 scholarships to caddies nationwide, boasting a remarkable graduation rate of over 98% among its recipients. The foundation aims to empower deserving young individuals by easing the financial burden of college tuition and costs.

Benton Orr, a recent graduate of Aiken High School, and DJ Bookard, who graduated from North Augusta High School, are thrilled to be the first recipients from a youth caddie program that was initiated at Old Barnwell in 2023. Both students are eager to take their next steps in higher education; Orr is considering a major in political science, while Bookard plans to study biology with aspirations of attending dental school.

DJ Bookard began his college journey at Livingstone College in North Carolina but is transferring to the University of South Carolina to further his studies after discovering the Evans Scholarship opportunity from his caddie master, Dan Pelletier. As a promising student-athlete, Bookard had to pivot after a shoulder injury cut his football career short, leading him to caddy at Old Barnwell, where he found a new passion in the sport.

Tim Newman, an Evans Scholar himself and alum of Purdue University, presented at the recent Rotary Club of Aiken meeting on July 21, where he highlighted the positive impact the Evans Scholars Foundation has had on youth in Aiken County. He introduced Orr and Bookard, recognizing their achievements and the potential for further success in their academic endeavors.

Both Orr and Bookard’s achievements stand as a significant milestone for the Old Barnwell caddie program, which aims to provide youth with valuable opportunities within the worlds of golf and education. Nick Schreiber, founder of Old Barnwell, expressed enthusiasm for Orr and Bookard’s commitments and hopes to expand the youth caddie program further, giving more local youths a chance to benefit from the scholarship opportunities offered by the Evans Scholars Foundation.

The selection criteria for the Evans Scholarship include strong caddie performance, academic excellence, financial need, and good character. By meeting these standards, Orr and Bookard have proven their suitability for the scholarships and set a precedent for future participants in the program.

With the Evans Scholars Foundation now representing the largest privately funded scholarship initiative for caddies in the United States, the organization continues to foster opportunities for young people across the nation. To date, over 11,000 individuals have graduated from this esteemed program, allowing them to pursue their academic goals and develop their career aspirations.

The enthusiasm and success surrounding the achievements of Benton Orr and DJ Bookard not only reflect their hard work and dedication but also mark an encouraging chapter for caddies in the local community and the expansion of youth opportunities in golf and education.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken, SC: A Day of Community Fun Despite Rainy Forecast

Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Rotary Club of Aiken evans Scholars Foundation
• Wikipedia: Evans Scholars Foundation
• WJBF: Two South Carolina students receive Evans Scholarship
• Google Search: Evans Scholarship
• Post and Courier: North Augusta alum earns Evans Caddying Scholarship
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Scholarship
• WJBF: New golf club launches youth caddie program
• Google News: Evans Scholarship

Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.