Sarah Katona and Dan Sheldon, seniors, will not be living in a typical freshman dorm when they attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in the fall.

Katona and Sheldon are winners of the Evans Scholarship, which will fully cover four years of college tuition and provide them with special housing on campus.

“The absolute best part [of the scholarship] for me is the family that I am apart of now,” Katona said. “Honestly, the people who live in the Evans House have such a tight bond. I’m honored and shocked that I get to be apart of it.”

The Evans Scholarship is a merit and need based scholarship. Applicants are judged on four categories: leadership, academics, financial need, and caddy record. Over 200 scholarships are awarded each year.

Katona discovered the Evans Scholarship when a family friend was awarded the scholarship five years ago. Katona has been a caddy at Golden Valley Country Club for the past two summers.

“I started [caddying] because I needed a summer job, but I always had the scholarship in the back of my mind,” Katona said.

Sheldon began caddying at Interlachen Country Club four summers ago, but was unable to caddy for two summers due to a knee surgery.

Sheldon’s father, who used to be a caddy master, told Sheldon about the scholarship.

“Obviously I wanted the money for summer, but I also wanted to shoot for the Evans,” Sheldon said. “I didn’t know if I’d get it or if I even had a shot, but I enjoy caddying. It’s really fun, you’re outside, and you’re making 20 to 30 dollars an hour.”

While on the job, caddies have numerous responsibilities such as carrying the golf bags, talking to members, cleaning the clubs, and giving yardages.

Katona believes that being a caddy has benefited her in ways that exceed the scholarship alone.

“I may be biased, but I think caddying is the best job a teen could have,” Katona said. “I learned so much in the two summers I caddied there, not only about golf, but about life, people, and hard work. Summers are one of the most fun times of my year because of caddying.”