Bishop Noll senior Kayode Olaoye set big college goals for himself, and he began turning them into a reality at a young age. Thanks to his foresight and dedication, and inspiration from his siblings, he will head to Purdue University in West Lafayette this fall with a full scholarship.
When Olaoye, who plans to study biomedical engineering, set his sights on earning the prestigious Evans Scholarship like his sister and brother did before him, he did so knowing that the journey would be difficult but not impossible.
“I knew to gain this title I had to make sure I excelled on multiple fronts such as my skill set on the golf course, as well as my academic, home and athletic life,” said Olaoye, of Hammond.
The Evans Scholarship is a full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies. A student must caddie for at least three summers at an Evans Scholar-aware golf course, have excellent caddie records, and a high academic standing at his or her school. In summer 2018, Olaoye began his caddie journey at Flossmoor Country Club in Flossmoor, Illinois. He maintained high grades throughout his education and was named a Graduate with Distinction at Bishop Noll his senior year, a title reserved for students who earn at least a 4.0 GPA.
At Bishop Noll, Olaoye was on the soccer and track teams all four years, and joined the golf team his junior year. Bishop Noll coach David Padilla, who coached him the past two years, said he was a great addition to the team.
“Kayode always has a positive outlook whether we win or lose. He is always encouraging his teammates when they are having a bad round of golf,” Padilla said. “It’s been a pleasure coaching and getting to know Kayode. He has a great personality and a positive attitude that will lead to a successful career.”
Olaoye also served as a school Student Ambassador and was a member of the Black Student Union, Speech team, National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society in addition to serving as a religious retreat leader his senior year.
“Being granted the title Evan Scholar, as well as a full ride scholarship, has blessed me and my family with new opportunities and burdens relieved,” he said. “It's an honor to have this chance just as my older brother and sister have. I also have a younger brother who will be starting his caddie journey this summer, and as he finishes he will begin his freshman year at Bishop Noll. I'm thankful that I now have the opportunity, tools and ability to guide him on this journey just as my older siblings have guided me.”
His sister, Anyah Akanni, received the Evans Scholarship in 2015 and attended Northwestern University, graduating in 2019. His brother Michael Akanni, Bishop Noll Class of 2019, received the scholarship in 2019 and currently attends Kansas University, said Olaoye.
Now in its 101st school year, Bishop Noll consistently receives high rankings from the Indiana Department of Education, including the highest graduation rate (99%) of any high school in Lake County over the past six years. In addition, Noll's 95 graduates of the Class of 2021 received $8.1 million in college scholarship offers. Noll is part of the Diocese of Gary, offering a discount to Diocesan families, and participates in the Indiana School Choice program. Visit bishopnoll.org for more information on enrollment.
The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $120,000 over four years. The Western Golf Association, headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. Currently, a record 1,070 caddies are enrolled at 21 universities across the nation as Evans Scholars, and more than 11,500 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.
“These young students have each shown excellence in the classroom, in their communities and on the golf course,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski in a press release.
Each caddie has a story that reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character.