Over ninety players from local businesses, high schools, and Weatherford College teed off at SugarTree Golf Club on Saturday October 16 for the 10^th Annual WC Tech Prep Scholarship Golf Tournament.

The golf tournament provides scholarships for area high school Tech Prep students to attend Weatherford College. Tech Prep is a federally funded, grant initiative that allows qualified technical students to get a head start on their college education by

WC Board Chair, Frank Martin, putts as Bernie Killman (L) and WC President, Dr. Kevin Eaton (R), watches.

“Once again, our local businesses and community leaders stepped up to make this year’s event one of the most successful to date,” said Dr. Kevin Eaton, WC President. “In these tough economic times, our tournament supporters found a way to give generously to students they have never met to have the opportunity to achieve the dream of a college education.”

VLK Architects and The Texas Army National Guard served as the Title Sponsors for the tournament with each contributing $2,500.

“Weatherford College is great place for students to continue their education,” said Richard Jaynes, a VLK Partner. “We are always happy to participate in and sponsor an event that benefits the students and provides scholarship opportunities to them.”

Twenty-four teams participated in the four-person scramble from the Independent School Districts of Azle, Brock, Weatherford, and Weatherford College. A team representing the Army National Guard also participated.

Sgt. Edward Herrera putts as his team watches.

Teams from Texas Wesleyan University and Abilene also played to support education. The Abilene Team of David Gage, Don Hothan, Fred Ramirez, and Trey Limbaugh won the tournament with the Weatherford Aerospace team of David King, Kevin King, Wes Read, and Will Link placing second.

Platinum level sponsors of $1,000 each included Chicken Express, Compass Bank, Johnson Controls, McDonald Sanders Law Firm, and Weatherford Regional Medical Center. Gold Level sponsors of $500 donations were Documation, First Financial Bank, First National Bank, Jerry’s GM, Plains Capital Bank, QuestCare, The Bank, and Wal-Mart.

In addition to the thirty-six businesses that sponsored holes for the event, local restaurants and businesses supported education by providing approximately $1,800 in gift certificates and donations for raffle items.

It's absolutely remarkable to know that so many people care about the education of young adults,” said Elisha Lee, a 2009-10 scholarship recipient from Graford High School. “I will be able to pursue my dreams of becoming a nurse because the tournament helped pay for my college education.”

Scholarship recipients Josh Box and Elisha Lee volunteer at the golf tournament.

Richard Stuart (second from left) and his team participate in the 10th Annual Tech Prep Scholarship fundraiser.