Backspin Volume 3, Issue 8 | Page 13

Headrick/Tones win scholarships Students Jared Headrick of Slidell, Louisiana and Robert Tonos of Madison, Mississippi have been selected as recipients of the 2016 PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship. Each student will receive $2,000 used to help alleviate the costs of a college education. The PGA of America awards these scholarships annually to children and grandchildren of PGA members in recognition of their exemplary academic and extracurricular efforts. 2016 Scholarship Winners Jared Headrick, son of Gulf States PGA Professional Jimmy Headrick of Duncan Park Golf Course and Diamondhead Country Club, will soon enter Louisiana Tech University in Ruston as a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. Headrick said winning the PGA scholarship was fantastic news considering the uncertain future of Louisiana’s state scholarship program, TOPS (Taylor Opportunity Program for Students). While attending Jesuit High School in New Orleans, Headrick immersed himself in the music scene playing the trumpet in marching band, concert band, jazz band and ROTC band, including playing in Mardi Gras parades. He said he plans to join the University’s jazz band in the future. Headrick said about his future plans, “I would love to get a summer internship at NASA in Mississippi.” As for this summer, Headrick said he will be enjoying spending time with his family, including making a trip to meet his new nephew. Robert “Robbie” Tonos, who will soon begin his freshman year at Mississippi State University in Starkville, will also receive a scholarship from the PGA. Tonos is the grandson of late Gulf States PGA Member Robbie Webb who served as the head professional at the Country Club of Canton (Miss.) from 1967 to 2006. Tonos said receiving the scholarship is certainly a distinguished honor. “The hard work definitely paid off,” he added. “My parents are very proud.” Throughout his time at Madison Central High School. Tonos was involved in several groups including debate club, swimming and National Honor Society. He hopes to join an intermural sports team in the future, in addition to a community service group. Tonos will work this summer right up until he heads to Mississippi State, where he will major in mechanical engineering with a desire to work on innovations to reduce gas emissions from cars. 13