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Don Calhoon joined the Heritage Classic Foundation in 2006. A Columbus, Ohio native, he earned a BA in Journalism from The Ohio State University in 1973 and went on to build a distinguished career in marketing and public relations. Don spent 27 years with Wendy’s, serving in a variety of executive marketing roles before retiring in 2004 as Chief Marketing Officer. After retirement, Don and his wife, Joanne, relocated to Hilton Head Island to begin their next chapter.

During his tenure with the Foundation, Don has held numerous leadership positions, including Vice Chairman; Chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, Marketing Committee, Annual Planning Meeting and Trustee Orientation. He has also served on the Scholars Committee, Pro-Am Committee and Executive Committee.

Rick Reichel has served on the HCF Board of Trustees since 2005. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Board and Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee and is a member of the Pro-Am Committee.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Rick is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration. He brings more than 50 years of experience in resort and club management, as well as extensive expertise in the development of multifamily and master-planned communities. In 2017, Rick co-founded South Coast Property Investments, LLC (SCPI), focused on developing mixed-use and multifamily properties throughout the Southeast. Rick, his wife Gay and their two daughters have been long-time Island residents. Rick came to Hilton Head Island in 1973 to work with The Sea Pines Resort and was first involved with the tournament in 1975.

As Tournament Chairmen, Don and Rick will represent the Heritage Classic Foundation at community events and will participate in the RBC Heritage Opening Ceremony.

The 58th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will take place April 13-19, 2026, at the famed Harbour Town Golf Links.

During Monday’s awards presentation, Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser told the audience, “This is always an exciting day for the Heritage Classic Foundation. We believe the résumés of these young adults are stronger than ever. The teachers and administrators of our school systems, as well as the award winners, deserve special praise.” Fraser also noted, “You are not just straight A students. You are leaders in your schools, communities and churches. Your interests range from volunteerism to sports to caring for the environment.”

Six of the newly named Scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity. Two of the latter scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholar grants for area students.

The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memoriam of past Scholar Committee chairman Ward Kirby and is granted every year.

Next fall, a total of 49 Beaufort and Jasper County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $194,000. A grand total of $5.75M will have been awarded to 408 students after the 2026 distribution.

In addition to these eleven scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

The following graduating seniors were selected: Beaufort High School – Sophia Brown, Laurel Hinderliter, James Riddle, Halle Tran

Bluffton High School – Tamyra Bolden, Katherine Seraiah Riddle, Rebecca Wohn

Hilton Head Island High School – Jackson Hollman, Kaden Stewart

Legacy Christian Academy – William Carter Cole

May River High School – Myla Greene

ABOUT THE 2026 SCHOLARS

Tamyra Bolden

Tamyra’s favorite class at Bluffton High is AP US History and is a National AP Scholar. She is a three-sport athlete - excelling at soccer, track and field and basketball. As captain of the basketball team, she led fundraisers to buy team sneakers. She is active with her school’s chapter of Teens for Healthy Youth and is a Beaufort County Parks and Rec sports volunteer. She will study criminal justice with the goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney.

Sophia (Sophie) Brown

Sophia co-founded a student newspaper at Beaufort High and was the captain of the tennis team. She also plays soccer and is the senior class vice president. She volunteers with CAPA and takes sustainability seriously, spending time as “Adopt-a-Highway” trash collector and testing water quality for Adopt-a-Stream. She intends to study environmental studies and go on to law school.

William Carter Cole

William is president of the Student Council and captain of the soccer team at Legacy Christian Academy in Ridgeland. He volunteers at a soccer camp, the Special Olympics and is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes leader. He works as a plumbing apprentice and plans to study business management.

Myla Greene - Mike Malanick Award

Myla volunteers in May River High School’s Buddies club where she helps with events like the Special Olympics. She is President of the National Honor Society and is an award-winning member of DECA. She spent last summer in Mexico as a residential caregiver in a children’s home for young girls. She is a founding member of the League of Student Voters, a club that promotes educated civic engagement through monthly newsletters. That interest in government and politics has led her to study International Relations.

Laurel Hinderliter

Laurel co-founded Students Demand Action at Beaufort High School, a gun violence prevention organization. As advocacy lead, she spoke to legislators at the South Carolina Statehouse. She was president of the French National Honor Society and is a School Improvement Council student representative. Her interest in medicine earned her a summer internship at Beaufort Memorial.

Jackson Hollman

Jackson is an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate at Hilton Head Island High School and has been on the baseball team for four years. He volunteers his time at a youth baseball camp where he shares his love for the game and has also volunteered at the RBC Heritage and with Project Unified. He plans to pursue a degree in financial management.

James Riddle - Ward Kirby Award

James plays in the Beaufort High concert band and acts in the University of South Carolina’s Children’s Theatre. He is heavily involved in his church and wants to become a minister. He obtained an associate’s degree through dual enrollment credits and works part time at Chick-fil-A.

Katherine Seraiah Riddle

Katherine is the captain of Bluffton High School’s award winning Academic Worldquest team. She is active in her church and loves working in their food bank during Lent each year. She has five siblings and plans to study neuroscience. After interning at May River Dermatology, her goal is to become a Physician’s Assistant and return to Bluffton to work there with her mentors.

Kaden Stewart - Tartan Club Award

Kaden is a three-sport athlete at Hilton Head Island High and is the captain of the track team. He holds the 400-meter record at this high school, earning All-State honors in the process. A teacher sparked his interest in computer science and grew his passion for coding, computers and new AI technology. He is a member of DECA and competed at the state level. He is teaching himself to play the piano and volunteers at his church.

Halle Tran - Charlie Brown Award

Halle is the president of the Beaufort High Garden Club that distributes free fresh produce to the community. She is a National Merit Semifinalist and AP Scholar with Distinction who plans to study Biochemistry and have a career in medicine. She has interned at two medical facilities in her community. She also cares about the environment and is a 10-year veteran of the Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project.

Rebecca Wohn - John Zimmerman Award

Rebecca is the President of Bluffton High School’s National Honor Society and earned the AP Scholar with Distinction and the S.C. Seal of Biliteracy by demonstrating proficiency in the Spanish language. She was an intern at Beaufort Memorial and a member of the HHI/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership class last year. AP Chemistry was her favorite class and led her to want to major in Chemistry.

Arts & Culture = $775,500

Arts and cultural organizations help preserve and celebrate the area’s heritage, history and ecology. We support local museums, interpretive centers, and visual and performing arts to protect and promote the regional culture.

Children = $929,000

Children are our future, and early childhood is the foundation of their future. We contribute to area early education and youth enrichment programs to set kids up for success.

Education = $363,000

Education is key to developing the next generation of employees and leaders for the community and its businesses. We donate to local colleges and technical programs to advance higher education and skills training.

Environment = $243,700

Our location is rich with natural beauty. It’s also at risk for environmental damage and natural disasters. We donate to organizations that protect and prevent ecological impact and restore and assist after events.

Health & Welfare = $1,922,000

With gratitude for our well-being, health and resources, we support charities that ensure all residents have access to nutritious food, safe housing and quality health care.

Scholarships = $189,000

We’re invested in bright futures for South Carolina’s young adults. Each year, we award need- and merit-based scholarships to enable high school students to attend college.

Charitable distributions are funneled through several programs facilitated by the Heritage Classic Foundation.

Birdies For Charity

Supporters of registered charities pledge a specific amount for every birdie made at the RBC Heritage. A 20% match is made by the Heritage Classic Foundation.

Champions Fore Charity

Supporters donate a minimum of $1,000 to a registered charity anytime and the Heritage Classic Foundation makes a 20% match.

Scholar Program

Heritage Scholarships are awarded annually to 11 high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, community service and leadership skills.

Concessions Civic Organization Program

Local civic organizations staff the on-course concession stands.

Other Donations

Includes donations to groups like Bluffton High School football team, who dedicate their spring break to helping pick up trash and recyclables.

The 58th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will take place April 13-19, 2026, over the famed Harbour Town Golf Links. When you purchase a ticket to South Carolina’s only PGA TOUR event, you help the Heritage Classic Foundation support its educational and charitable initiatives. Learn more at rbcheritage.com.

ABOUT THE HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION — CHAMPIONING CHARITIES. LIFTING LIVES. At the heart of the Heritage Classic Foundation is a history of philanthropic giving that goes far beyond golf. Since 1987, we’ve raised and donated $61.8 million to educational and charitable initiatives that lift lives in South Carolina. And we’re still going strong. Every year, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization hosts a world-class PGA TOUR event as a primary fundraising effort. For more information, call 843-671-2448, visit heritageclassicfoundation.com or find us on Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation).

Deep Well’s Emergency Rent/Mortgage Program steps in to pay all or part of a local resident’s housing payment after documenting the family has suffered an unexpected loss of income or unexpected expense, leaving them at risk of being homeless. In the first 10 months of this year, Deep Well paid $516,000 in rent and mortgage payments, helping keep 1,600 people safe, stable and working.

Similarly, Deep Well’s Livable Housing Home Repair Program does critical-nature repairs on local homes to ensure the families living in them are safe and dry. Deep Well will set a record this year in homes repaired with 100 homes already repaired, and another 10-15 homes to be completed by the end of 2025.

“Decent and affordable housing for neighbors who comprise our workforce is a challenge across the country, but it’s especially concerning in resort areas like Hilton Head Island,” said Sandy Gillis, Executive Director, Deep Well Project. “Land costs are high, and when you’re a barrier island, expansion isn’t an option. This amazing recognition from the PGA TOUR and its grant will power the housing assistance work that Deep Well Project is doing. It will help us be a safety net for neighbors, while also keeping our tourism-based economy firing on all cylinders.”

The Charity of the Year award comes with a $30,000 grant from the PGA TOUR, which will go toward Deep Well’s Emergency Rent/Mortgage and Livable Housing Home Repair programs to help mitigate the housing challenges of the Island’s workforce.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, the charitable foundation of the RBC Heritage, supports more than 90 registered and deserving charities in the local community that are divided into six pillars, with the Deep Well Project included in the Health and Welfare pillar. Since 1987, the Heritage Classic Foundation has raised and donated $59.5 million to South Carolina and Georgia charities.

“This recognition reflects the incredible impact The Deep Well Project has made in our community, and we couldn’t be prouder to support their mission,” said Steve Wilmot, President and Tournament Director, RBC Heritage. “Their dedication and compassion inspire us all, and we look forward to standing beside them as they continue to change lives on Hilton Head Island."

With the support of more than 100,000 volunteers annually, the PGA TOUR assists approximately 3,000 charities each year. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion.

About PGA TOUR By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.    The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions events on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. PGA TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR operates PGA TOUR Studios–a state-of-the-art production studio redefining golf content for fans worldwide—and has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel, with video streaming service on ESPN+ and additional coverage on multiple Free Ad-Supported Television (FAST) channels. Internationally, the PGA TOUR Studios-produced World Feed is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. To date, events across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion in charitable giving. Fans can follow the PGA TOUR at PGATOUR.COM, on the app and in multiple languages across their favorite social media pages.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Student must be a high school senior. 2. Student must have a 3.5 or greater unweighted GPA on the SC Uniform Grading Scale. 3. Student must be a legal U.S. citizen. 4. Student must be a legal resident of Beaufort or Jasper County. 5. Student’s parents/guardians combined adjusted annual income must be less than $150,000. 6. Student must enter college within one year after high school graduation. 7. Student must attend high school in Beaufort or Jasper County. We will also accept homeschooling and Governor’s School applicants.

Since this Scholar program was instituted in 1993, 397 graduating seniors have been named Heritage Scholars. These grants, to a college of the student’s choice, have totaled more than $5.56 million.

All applications must be completed by January 15, 2026.

The 2026 Scholars will be recognized at the 58th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing to be conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links, April 13-19, 2026.

About the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing The RBC Heritage is the Signature PGA TOUR event in South Carolina. Played over the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island since 1969, the event is celebrating its 58th year April 13-19, 2026. The Heritage Classic Foundation, host organization, distributes the proceeds from the tournament to hundreds of non-profit organizations. Since it was founded as a 501 (c)(3) in 1987, the Foundation has donated $59.5 million to people in need. For information on how to "Get Your Plaid On!" call 843.671.2448, visit www.rbcheritage.com or Facebook (RBC Heritage) and Instagram (@RBCHeritage)

“As the title sponsor of two events on the PGA TOUR schedule, RBC plays an essential role in golf, providing both critical development at the amateur level and life-changing moments for the world’s greatest players,” said PGA TOUR CEO Brian Rolapp. “We are grateful to extend our relationship with RBC, Canada’s national championship at the RBC Canadian Open, as well as the RBC Heritage, the Signature Event culminating across the marina from Harbour Town’s iconic lighthouse.”

Since joining as title sponsor of the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open, RBC has helped contribute to communities in the U.S. and Canada by increasing access to the game and supporting charities in areas such as youth, education, the arts and more. RBC also supports a roster of Team RBC ambassadors on the PGA and LPGA TOUR.

"We are pleased to extend our long-standing relationship with the PGA TOUR, and to continue working with our partners to elevate the RBC Heritage and RBC Canadian Open for players and fans," said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. "The unforgettable moments these events create bring our communities together and inspire golfers at every level, from grassroots to our Team RBC professionals. These world-class tournaments are also becoming powerful drivers of economic and social impact, with more than $56 million raised for local charities across North America, and nearly $250 million of economic impact generated in 2024 alone. We look forward to building on that momentum and continuing to support the lasting impact these events create both on and off the course.”

The RBC Heritage, which made its debut in 1969, ranks annually among the most-attended professional sporting events in the Carolinas. The Heritage Classic Foundation is the host organization of the RBC Heritage and donates tournament proceeds to charitable organizations in the Lowcountry. Recent champions include Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jordan Spieth.

“We are thrilled that RBC has extended our partnership, as their continued commitment strengthens our world-class PGA TOUR event on Hilton Head Island and fuels its profound impact across South Carolina,” said Steve Wilmot, Heritage Classic Foundation President and RBC Heritage Tournament Director. “The RBC Heritage is a major economic driver for our state and a powerful force for good. Having a steadfast partner like RBC allows us to grow our mission and deepen our reach, and we look forward to this exciting next chapter together.”

Dating to 1904, the RBC Canadian Open is the third-oldest national championship. Previous champions include Team RBC ambassador Nick Taylor and Rory McIlroy. In partnership with Golf Canada, RBC is committed to growing the game through RBC Community Junior Golf, which has introduced over 55,000 young people across Canada to the sport through First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course programming. RBC is also a proud supporter of Golf Canada’s National Team program, the Golf Canada Foundation, the CPKC Women’s Open and the She Plays Golf Festival.

“Golf Canada is extremely proud to celebrate the extension of a tremendous partnership with our friends at RBC as well as the PGA TOUR,” said Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum. “From investing in access for the next generation of young golfers to supporting pros, RBC is the most committed, invested and engaged partner in Canadian golf, and the driving force behind the incredible growth of Canada’s historic National Open Championship.”

The 2026 RBC Heritage and 2026 RBC Canadian Open will be broadcast on CBS/Paramount+, GOLF Channel, PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, Sirius XM and distributed internationally via the TOUR’s World Feed.

About PGA TOUR By showcasing golf’s greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. TOUR members represent the world’s best players, hailing from 28 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 30 languages via 39 broadcast and digital partners. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $4 billion.

Fans can follow the PGA TOUR on the new PGA TOUR app and PGATOUR.COM, and on social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram (in Spanish, Korean and Japanese), LinkedIn, TikTok, X (in English, Spanish and Japanese), WhatsApp (in English and Spanish), WeChat, Weibo, Toutiao and Douyin.

During Tuesday’s awards presentation, Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Committee Chairman, Scott Richardson told the audience, “This is always an exciting day for the Heritage Classic Foundation. We believe the resumes of these young adults are better than ever. The teachers and administrators of our school systems, as well as the award winners, deserve special praise.” Richardson also pointed out, “You are not just straight A students. You are leaders in your schools, communities and churches. Your interests vary from volunteerism to sports to caring for the environment.”

Six of the newly named Scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity. Two of the latter scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholar grants for area students.

The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memoriam of past Scholar Committee chairman Ward Kirby and is granted every year.

Next fall, a total of 41 Beaufort and Jasper County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $176,000. A grand total of $5.56M will have been awarded to 397 students after the 2025 distribution.

In addition to these eleven scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

It was also announced at Tuesday’s luncheon that two large donations were granted to the newly created Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarship Endowment Fund. The RBC Foundation donated $25,000 to the fund and the Sea Pines Resort Community Fund donated proceeds totaling $25,000 from their inaugural Charity Golf Tournament held March 2nd. The endowment fund was created to strengthen the future of the Heritage Scholar Program. Learn more at heritageclassicfoundation.com/heritage-endowment.

The following graduating seniors were selected:

Battery Creek High School​ - Emma Hamilton Bluffton High School - Genesis Hernandez Cabrera​, Ava Elizabeth Rios, Vivian Zurakowski Hilton Head Island Christian Academy - Christopher Nguyen Hilton Head Island High School - Bryce Broome, Calvin Clayton, Mia Diamond, Emeli Perez, Mia Ruxton May River High School​ - James Holloman

ABOUT THE HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION — CHAMPIONING CHARITIES. LIFTING LIVES.

At the heart of the Heritage Classic Foundation is a history of philanthropic giving that goes far beyond golf. Since 1987, we’ve raised and donated $56.9 million to educational and charitable initiatives that lift lives in South Carolina. And we’re still going strong. Every year, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization hosts a world-class PGA TOUR event as a primary fundraising effort. For more information, call 843-671-2448, visit heritageclassicfoundation.com, or find us on Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation) and Twitter (@HCFGolf).

ABOUT THE 2025 SCHOLARS

Bryce Broome earned all-state honors on Hilton Head High’s track team and is team captain of the cross-country team. He has been studying Chinese since first grade and is the vice president of the Chinese Honor Society at his school. In his senior year, the IB Diploma candidate organized a 5k fundraiser to benefit Deep Well. He has a pressure washing business he runs on weekends and is a member of Young Life. Ward Kirby Award​

Calvin Clayton is the captain of Hilton Head High’s baseball team and leads the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club. He is vice president of the school’s National Honor Society and a member of the Chinese Honor Society. He is a DECA state qualifier and has volunteered with Volunteers in Medicine for the past two summers. He is also active in his church and has a part-time job at Hilton Head Outfitters. John Zimmerman Award​

Mia Diamond holds down two part-time jobs in addition to being active in many organizations at Hilton Head High. She is a member of the Interact Club and the Dance Honor Society for her commitment to the Dance Team. She volunteers at The Deep Well Project and headed up a car wash to raise funds for St. Jude’s Research Hospital, earning her a St. Jude NextGen Experience award.

Emma Hamilton has competed on the tennis and wrestling teams at Battery Creek High and has participated in monthly Campus Clean-ups with the Interact Club. She has had a part-time job throughout high school and has a passion for sports medicine, working for the school athletic trainer and plans to pursue a career in the field.

Genesis Hernandez Cabrera is student body president at Bluffton High School and is also Past President of the Interact Club. She is a member of Youth in Government and was one of 20 delegates chosen to represent SC at the Conference on National Affairs. Serving as South Carolina’s only Youth Advocate, she spoke with U.S. senators and representatives about childcare in rural communities. She is an advocate for the Hispanic community. Tartan Award​

James Holloman created a Spanish Club at May River High School, is vice president of the Beta Club and was selected to be Beaufort County School District’s US President Scholar Candidate. His volunteerism earned him the National Community Service Merit Award. He also plays lacrosse and plays the guitar. He plans to pursue a degree in electrical engineering and then join the Air Force.

Christopher Nguyen is a member of the Hilton Head Island Christian Academy golf team, helping them win a state championship in 2024. He shares that love of golf by volunteering at the First Tee. He created a debate club during his junior year, manages the robotics team and writes for the school newspaper. He is a part-time bike mechanic and plays alto saxophone in his school’s jazz band. He hopes to have a career where he can help make clean drinking water more accessible in rural areas. Mike Malanick Award​

Emeli Perez is an IB Diploma Candidate at Hilton Head Island High School. She serves as the vice president of the National Honor Society and is the secretary of the Science Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Her interest in finance led her to participate in the state DECA competition where she placed second. She tutors elementary school students struggling in math and English and helps kids at the Neighborhood Outreach Center with homework after school.

Ava Elizabeth Rios earned first place honors representing Bluffton High at the Lower State Academic World Quest Competition. She has competed on the school’s soccer team since eighth grade and is a volunteer coach for a Rec Center youth team. She cares about the environment by being a Turtle Tracker and is Youth Chair of the Hilton Head Audubon. As president of Mu Alpha Theta, she leads SAT/ACT Test Prep Sessions for fellow students. Charlie Brown Award​

Mia Ruxton is an IB Diploma Candidate at Hilton Head High and was a member of the tennis team and is the girls lacrosse team manager. In her junior year, she interned with the Boys & Girls Club, teaching children about the outdoors through fun games. She has had a part-time job since freshman year and plans to study marketing in college.

Vivian Zurakowski is a member of the jazz and marching bands at Bluffton High School, playing the piano in jazz band and captaining the percussionists. As a member of the band, she has marched in several parades. She was in the Hilton Head Bluffton Chamber’s Junior Leadership class her junior year and has rung the bell for the Salvation Army holiday drive. She will pursue a degree in STEM.

During Monday’s awards presentation, Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Committee Chairman, Scott Richardson told the audience, “This is always an exciting day for the Heritage Classic Foundation. We believe the resumes of these young adults are better than ever. The teachers and administrators of our school systems, as well as the award winners, deserve special praise.” Richardson also pointed out, “You are not just straight A students. You are leaders in your schools, communities and churches. Your interests vary from volunteerism to sports to caring for the environment.”

Six of the newly named Scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity. Two of the latter scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholar grants for area students.

The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memoriam of past Scholar Committee chairman Ward Kirby and will be granted every year moving forward.

Next fall, a total of 43 Beaufort and Jasper County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $200,000. A grand total of $5.38M will have been awarded to 384 students after the 2024 distribution.

In addition to these eleven scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

The following graduating seniors were selected: Battery Creek: Zoe Way Bluffton High School: Aiden Harvey Beaufort High School: Noah Henry, Annabelle Nelson, Nathan Tran, James Guerin Willis Hilton Head Island High School: Jhasly Berra, Anthony Bynum, Susana Mogil, Evelyn Prokes Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence: Lamika Walker

ABOUT THE 2024 SCHOLARS

Jhasly Berra is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Candidate at Hilton Head Island High and she has also received the South Carolina Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She is president of her school’s chapter of the National French Honor Society and secretary of the National Honor Society where she dedicates time mentoring elementary school students in math and English. She is a first generation Latina who aims to promote diversity and inclusivity in the STEM community by studying biomedical engineering.

Anthony Bynum wants to improve the diversity of students in middle school advanced classes, so he started NextGen Tutoring. Twice a week, Hilton Head Island High Schoolers tutor elementary school students before school with the goal of improving math and reading skills. He is a member of the varsity basketball and football teams and is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He logs more than 200 volunteer hours yearly, including being a Pockets Full of Sunshine buddy. He plans to pursue a career in aerospace. Tartan Club Award

Aiden Harvey has been a member of the Bluffton High Band since freshman year and earned the title Band Captain and Drum Major in his senior year. Through the band’s honor society, he volunteers his time sharing music in the community. He is also president of the school’s Robotics Club and helps run competitions for middle and elementary school students. He plans to study music education and become a music teacher.

Noah Henry helped design and build Beaufort High’s first garden beds as a member of the Garden Club. In addition to those flourishing gardens, he focuses much of his time volunteering with the Interact Club and National Honor Society. He has logged more than 100 hours as an Interact Club volunteer and has spent time with retirees as an NHS member. Protecting the environment is important to him and he has participated in beach sweeps, Adopt-a-Highways and church clean-ups. He plans to use his talent for mathematics to study aerospace engineering.

Susana Mogil earned the 2023 NJROTC Distinguished Cadet award at Hilton Head Island High. She is the Color Guard Commander and a member of the Academics and Orienteering teams. She is also an International Baccalaureate Programme Candidate and a member of the Seahawk Stage Company. Her time working at a day camp fueled her desire to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. She was raised speaking Spanish and volunteers as a bilingual tutor at the Neighborhood Outreach Center and is also an assistant teacher at her synagogue’s religious school. Mike Malanick Award

Annabelle Nelson is involved in both academic and social organizations at Beaufort High including the CREATE Club, where she helps fellow students understand the importance of practicing sustainability and conservation. She also defends banned literature as a member of the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization. She a member of Voices, a select group of Beaufort High choir members and plays the violin in the orchestra. She plans to study business administration with the goal of establishing a nonprofit dedicated to the growth and education of children.

Evelyn Prokes moved from Indiana just in time to begin her senior year at Hilton Head Island High. She became a member of the Science National Honor Society, Book Club and Rainbow Alliance. At her former high school, she was Head of Costumes and received a varsity letter in theatre. For two years, she led support groups for grieving children and she was a coordinator for Sea Pines Country Club’s Deep Well Project Santa Shop toy drive. She has been fascinated by genetics since 5th grade and by 10th grade she knew she wanted to pursue it as a career.

Nathan Tran is a National Merit Semifinalist and is ranked number one in his class at Beaufort High School. He not only captains his school’s VEX Robotics Team, he also runs an online community made up of 40 VEX teams around the world. In addition, he works with younger students to encourage their interest in robotics. Since 2015, he has volunteered with Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation to identify sea turtle crawls and nests, but his true passion is robotics and his goal is to become a robotics engineer. John Zimmerman Award

Lamika Walker attends the Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence and is also completing the Law Enforcement program at the Beaufort-Jasper Academy for Career Excellence. That program has inspired her to pursue a career in Forensic Psychology. She is the reigning Miss Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence and has been class president since her sophomore year. She is a student athletic trainer and is also a member of her school’s cheerleading, volleyball and soccer teams. She was chosen to speak at the Garden of Light Committee’s youth scholarship banquet honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. She believes everyone should be their own role model. Ward Kirby Award

Zoe Way is Senior Class President and has always been active in Student Council at Battery Creek High School. She is ranked number one in her class, is President of the National Honor Society and is active in the Interact Club. She founded a program focused on engaging students with politics and hosts an event to connect students with community members. She studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and credits the classes with giving her confidence and self-discipline. She volunteers at her church and mentors students. It is her way to “pay forward what can never be paid back”.

James Guerin Willis is the captain of both the basketball and soccer team at Beaufort High. The soccer team will be defending their lower state championship this season. He prioritizes community service by tutoring students in chemistry before and after school. He is active in his school’s National Honor Society Chapter and created a social media channel to boost visibility among students and to increase community service across the school. He plans to study Economics. Charlie Brown Award

“The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is honored to partner with the Heritage Classic Foundation through this important fund,” said CFL President Scott Wierman. “The endowment provides a direct way for the community to support education and the outstanding students in Beaufort and Jasper Counties.”

The Heritage Classic Foundation is dedicated to hosting a world class PGA TOUR event and raising funds for educational and charitable initiatives. Since the Heritage Classic Foundation’s creation in 1987, $51.2 million has been distributed to those in need. The Scholar Program, created in 1993, has granted $5 million to 375 deserving Beaufort and Jasper County high school seniors.

”Heritage Classic Foundation takes pride in providing opportunities for local high school seniors and selects scholarship recipients based on academic success, community service, student essays and financial need,” said Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser. “Partnering with Community Foundation of the Lowcountry provides us with the tools we need to strengthen our commitment to education.”

To donate to the Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarship Endowment Fund visit https://www.heritageclassicfoundation.com/heritage-scholars/heritage-endowment/.

ABOUT THE HERITAGE CLASSIC FOUNDATION — CHAMPIONING CHARITIES. LIFTING LIVES.

At the heart of the Heritage Classic Foundation is a history of philanthropic giving that goes far beyond golf. Since 1987, we’ve raised and donated $51.2 million to educational and charitable initiatives that lift lives in South Carolina. And we’re still going strong. Every year, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization hosts a world-class PGA TOUR event as a primary fundraising effort. For more information, call 843-671-2448, visit heritageclassicfoundation.com, or find us on Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation) and Twitter (@HCFGolf).

During Friday’s awards presentation, Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Committee Chairman, Scott Richardson told the audience, “This is always an exciting day for the Heritage Classic Foundation. We believe the resumes of these young adults are better than ever. The teachers and administrators of our school systems, as well as the award winners, deserve special praise.” Richardson also pointed out, “You are not just straight A students. You are leaders in your schools, communities and churches. Your interests vary from volunteerism to sports to caring for the elderly.”

Six of the newly named Scholars will receive a $16,000 scholarship over the next four years. Four additional awards carry a $20,000 opportunity. Two of the latter scholarships honor Scholar Committee chairmen who have passed, John Zimmerman and Mike Malanick. One honors the late Scholar Committee member Charlie Brown, and the Tartan Club Award recognizes the donations made by the Tartan Club. Created by the Heritage Classic Foundation, the Tartan Club is a group made up of individuals throughout the community who share a desire to help others through the awarding of scholar grants for area students.

The Kirby Scholarship, a one-year $4,000 scholar award, was created in memoriam of past Scholar Committee chairman Ward Kirby and will be granted every year moving forward. Two additional students will receive a one-year $2,500 award.

Next fall, a total of 41 Beaufort County collegians will be attending school and will have received Foundation grants at an expenditure of $200,000. A grand total of $5M will have been awarded to 375 students after the 2023 distribution.

In addition to these eleven scholarships, the Foundation is funding four $2,500 annual scholarships to the University of South Carolina Beaufort and two $1,500 annual scholarships to the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

The following graduating seniors were selected: Battery Creek: Ella Gordon Beaufort Academy: Benjamin Steen Beaufort High School: Megan Alvarez, Susan “Elizabeth” Livesay Heritage Academy: Kellen Kubec Hilton Head Island High School: Cynthia Gudaitis, Benjamin Lewis, Laurel Hawkins Hilton Head Preparatory School: Emma “Hayes” Wilkinson John Paul II Catholic School: Samantha Reilly Homeschooled: Levi Bates

Since its inception, the Heritage Classic Foundation has been dedicated to enriching life in South Carolina, from supporting college scholarships to nutritious meals, emergency housing to early childhood education, workforce training to culture and arts.

“When the Heritage Classic Foundation was created in 1987, to launch a legacy of giving while securing the future of our beloved PGA TOUR event, we never dreamed the Foundation would reach the $50 million benchmark in just 36 years,” said Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser. “We hope to continue working with other organizations to elevate the long-term economic, social and cultural life of South Carolina for many years to come.”

One of those key partnerships is with RBC, a long-standing supporter of the Heritage Classic Foundation, helping to raise $25 million towards local community programs since it became title sponsor of the RBC Heritage in 2012. Today, the RBC Foundation and Heritage Classic Foundation announced a joint $50,000 grant for the M.A.G.I.C Youth Leadership Program on Hilton Head Island. Launching this spring, the M.A.G.I.C Youth Leadership Program supports junior docent training for the Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. The program trains local students in critical job and life skills including public speaking and communication, in addition to teaching the important history of the local community. By the end of the school year, the students will have gained the knowledge and confidence to become Park tour guides, preparing them for brighter futures and work experiences ahead.

“Our goal is to enhance the skillsets of young people in the Beaufort County area so they become productive members of the workforce and grow into adults that will benefit their communities,” said Executive Director Ahmad Ward. “MAGIC places special emphasis on written and verbal communication skills for young people so they can set themselves apart from the crowd.”

“We applaud the Heritage Classic Foundation for their community dedication and this incredible milestone of raising more than $50 million towards local charitable programs,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President & Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “Helping young people succeed is a significant area of focus for RBC, and so we are proud to support the M.A.G.I.C Youth Leadership Program, which will enable and empower so many.”

The 55th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will be conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links, April 10-16, 2023. Visit rbcheritage.com for ticket information.

The PGA TOUR recently announced the 2023 RBC Heritage would enjoy a designated status. The Heritage Classic Foundation wants the community to reap the benefits of this distinction which includes raising the purse to $20 million and a guarantee that many of the top PGA TOUR pros will compete. “The Heritage Classic Foundation’s vision is to improve the long-term economic, social and cultural life of South Carolina,” said Foundation president and tournament director Steve Wilmot. “We put this vision into action by directing resources to six pillars of a healthy community: children’s programs, scholarships, health and welfare, arts and culture, environmental causes and education.”

Close to 100 nonprofits throughout the Lowcountry and South Carolina are registered charity partners of the Heritage Classic Foundation. They are able to solicit donations through the Birdies for Charity and Heritage Champions Fore Charity programs and for every dollar raised, the Heritage Classic Foundation kicks in an extra 20%. The programs have raised close to $22 million since they were created. The Heritage Classic Foundation has distributed a total of $49.1 million since it was created in 1987.

More information on the programs and how to participate is available online and can be found at www.heritageclassicfoundation.com.

The 55th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing will be conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links, April 10-16, 2023.

Scholarship applications are reviewed on the basis of academic success, community service, essays written by the student and financial need. An interview is required by all finalists.

Since this Scholar program was instituted in 1993, 364 graduating seniors have been named Heritage Scholars. These grants, to a college of the student’s choice, have totaled more than $5 million.

Applications are now available online and can be found at www.heritageclassicfoundation.com. All applications must be completed by January 15, 2023.

The 2023 Scholars will be recognized at the 55th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing to be conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links, April 10-16, 2023.