Despite short periods of rain, Newtown Scholarship Association (NSA) completed its 30th Annual Jack Friel Memorial Golf Scramble outing at The Country Club of Waterbury on June 27. A nice indoor luncheon was held for a full field of golfers before they headed out to complete 18 holes of golf.

“We were fortunate there were no delays due to lightning,” NSA golf tourney Chairman Ted Kohler said. “Play started out with a soft rain for probably the first three holes, a bit harder the next three, and the rain then trailed off and we were able to complete the tournament.”

The course was filled with golfers giving great energy throughout the day, not letting rain dampen spirits. During the 18 holes of play, golfers were challenged to a hole in one shot to win a car from Ingersoll Auto of Danbury on the 12th hole and on the 8th hole, TJ Wyld was declared the winner for the golfer hitting closest to the pin. Winning the tournament was the team of BJ Powers, TJ Wyld, Dan Mattson, and Ted Kohler.

After golf, players gathered for drinks and dinner inside the clubhouse. NSA provided a silent auction and raffle table for golfers and guests. Many great prizes were offered, from golfing foursomes at prestigious courses to fun take-home items. After 18 holes of golf, the players were very supportive with the raffle and silent auction, helping to continue supporting NSA.

The dinner honored Lin Hertberg of Newtown. Hertberg created a scholarship through NSA, The Hertberg Family Foundation Scholarship, and donates $10,000 every year to a student with financial need attending college as well as meeting other criteria.

“I had a chance to meet and have great discussions with three of the five recipients of our scholarship,” Hertberg said. “We sat together for dinner. It was really nice to get to know them and I am very impressed by these students, all very highly motivated.”

Hertberg created his family scholarship five years ago. Golfers introduced to Hertberg learned about his scholarship and what it has meant to NSA and to the recipients.

“It was very nice to honor Lin, have him introduced, and speak about the scholarship and criteria students must meet to apply for it,” Kohler said. “I believe Lin’s speech gave the audience another perspective of NSA and reinforced what our organization provides for students applying to college and continuing aid offered while in school.”

Through annual fundraisers held during the year, NSA continues its mission to award scholarships and continuing aid to students with financial need heading to college. For the 2022-2023 school year, NSA has awarded 149 students from Newtown need-based scholarships totaling approximately $280,000. In the 84-year history of NSA, over $4 million scholarship awards have been distributed to college students.

“With the continued support of our community and the golfers that return to play every year, we are able to help achieve our mission,” Kohler said. “It seemed everyone enjoyed playing the course and had a good time.”