The Scholars’ Cup at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club experienced another record-breaking year in 2024. Thanks to your generosity and the support of sponsors from the community, the Cup’s Community Impact Fund grew by almost $220,000.
For the 2023-2024 academic year there were 12 first time recipients and 12 existing scholars who qualified to renew an award for another year or college education. The application process for 2024-2025 academic year is underway.
The Scholars’ Cup originated in 2006 when a long time Quail member, Wayne Sargent, wanted to leave a modest educational legacy. He pledged $1,000 per year for five years to award two annual scholarships. He encouraged his fellow members to compete in an annual golf tournament to raise additional scholarship funds.
Since its creation in 2006, the program has awarded 122 scholarships valued at almost $500,000 to 76 students from throughout Monterey County. Many of the recipients are the first member of their family to attend college.
The qualification criteria for students are financial need, academic performance, leadership and community service and an interest in golf. As envisioned 14 years ago, the scholarship funds are donated by members of Quail and community sponsors who participate in a two-day golf tournament every November. The 2023 event raised over $150,000.
Originally the Scholars’ Cup recipients came from Carmel, Monterey and Pacific Grove high schools. In recent years the Scholars’ Cup expanded and strengthened to reach more deserving high school graduates, students in Monterey Country. Today students from Alisal, Alvarez, Carmel, Gonzales, Monterey, North County, North Salinas, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and Seaside high schools may apply. Employees and children of The Quail employees are also eligible for scholarships.
The Scholars Cup funds a student through the First Tee’s Pay It Forward scholarship-mentorship program at California State Monterey Bay. Support of technical education was added in 2022 with a grant to Rancho Cielo in Salinas. An annual grant is awarded to the Rancho Cielo Youth Campus to support technical/vocational education. In 2024 the grants totaled $30,000.
The impact that the Scholarship Program has had on the recipients is life changing. Here is what the scholars are saying:
“This scholarship is making my education possible and is so worthwhile. Hope you continue so other students can do what is needed to make change in the world.” Marcus, University of Pennsylvania
“Thank you to everyone who support this scholarship. Without it I probably would be struggling financially. Now it is helping me accomplish my educational goals.” Ana, Hartnell College
“Thank you for supporting me during my entire academic path. It helped me a lot and I am beyond blessed to have you supporting me this entire way.” Yamilet, graduate of US Merced
The 2025 Scholars’ Cup tournament will be held November 7-9. Donations to the Scholars’ Cup are tax deductible and can be made throughout the year at Community Foundation for Monterey County www.cfmco.org.