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Dean Shortridge Scholarship

Junior Golf Aberdeen annually awards two $1,500 educational scholarships to area high school seniors who have demonstrated involvement in golf and intend to pursue education at a two- or four-year post-secondary institution.

About Junior Golf Aberdeen

Junior Golf Aberdeen is a non-profit organization dedicated to positively influencing local youth through golf by offering educational programs, competitive events, and access to high-quality facilities. Its mission is to foster knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of golf while promoting values that enhance personal development. The organization's programming includes First Tee lessons, PGA Junior League, the Junior Golf Aberdeen tournament series, the Dean Shortridge Scholarship, and various community outreach initiatives.

Legacy of Dean Shortridge

Dean Shortridge arrived in Aberdeen in the late 1940s to serve as the PGA Golf Professional at the Aberdeen Country Club. He later transitioned to Moccasin Creek Country Club when it was established in 1971. Retiring in 1985, Dean continued to frequent Moccasin Creek and shared valuable advice with golfers of all ages until shortly before his passing in 2012. Dean was widely respected for his character and modeled the values that make golf an excellent sport for junior players. Hundreds of juniors benefitted from his instruction, as he never charged for lessons and often provided clubs to those who could not afford them. Many of his former students continued to seek his guidance well into adulthood. Dean’s teachings have been passed down through generations, positively impacting the youth of the region. He remains a model of gracious living and a legend within the local golf community.

Criteria for Selection

  • Applicants must have lived in the Aberdeen area (within 50 miles) for at least the past year.

  • Applicants must plan to attend a two- or four-year college, university, or accredited post-high school institution during the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

  • Applicants must complete the Scholarship Application form and include the following:

    • School Transcript

    • Cover Letter & Golf Resume

    • Essay

    • References

A selection committee will determine scholarship winners. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who have participated in the First Tee in Aberdeen, the Aberdeen PGA Junior Golf League, Junior Golf Aberdeen events, and local junior golf programs and events. Additional criteria include participation in local high school, club, and state-level golf programming, high school academic achievement, involvement in other high school and community activities, and demonstration of leadership qualities such as honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Application Deadline

August 31, 2026

INFO & APPLICATION

Congratulations to our past winners

Gannon May of Aberdeen is a graduate of Roncalli High School, where he earned varsity letters in both golf and tennis and was an active member of the National Honor Society. He has participated extensively in golf programs, including First Tee lessons, the Aberdeen Area PGA Junior League, and Drive, Chip & Putt. Although he was also a skilled hockey player, injuries led him to dedicating greater focus to his golf career. Additionally, Gannon gained valuable experience working in golf operations at Moccasin Creek Country Club and contributed as a coach and mentor within the First Tee junior golf program and youth hockey initiatives.
Gannon is currently enrolled at the University of North Dakota, pursuing a double major in Commercial Aviation and Broadcasting.
 




 
Brevin Fliehs graduated from Groton Area High School in 2025, earning Academic All-State honors and competing in varsity football, wrestling, track, baseball, and golf. As a leader on the golf team, he helped achieve multiple firsts for Groton, including the team placing at the State Championship and winning both the NE Conference and Region tournaments, along with earning individual State honors three times. He also excelled on the SDGA Junior Tour twice winning the NE region points race. Brevin gained work experience in golf course and baseball maintenance while assisting with youth lessons. He looks forward to pursuing a career where he can contribute to sustainable farming while giving back to his community through coaching and supporting youth programming.
Brevin is attending Northern State University and is majoring in Agricultural Business.


 
**Morgan Jones – South Dakota State University, Medical Sciences Major**

Morgan Jones, from Aberdeen, SD, is an exceptional student-athlete with a diverse background in sports and academics. In addition to excelling on the ice and the golf course, Morgan has been involved in piano, the National Honor Society, and various school activities. Her dedication to golf began with the Aberdeen PGA Junior League and competitive junior events, where she advanced multiple times in the Drive, Chip & Putt competition to the sub-regional level.
Morgan’s commitment to golf extends beyond playing; she worked at Lee Park Golf Course and served as team captain for the Central High School girls golf team. Among her achievements, she was awarded the Spirit of Eagle award, achieved All-State status in both academics and golf, and has proven herself as a true leader. Morgan is currently attending South Dakota State University, where she is majoring in medical sciences and pursuing a career in healthcare.



 
**Peyton Brust – University of Jamestown, Business Administration Major**

Peyton Brust, also from Aberdeen, SD, developed a passion for golf from an early age at Moccasin Creek Country Club. His impressive golf journey includes involvement in The First Tee program, the PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip & Putt, and numerous local and state championships. As a key player on the Aberdeen Central boys golf team, Peyton demonstrated leadership as both a player and a mentor, volunteering as a PGA Junior League coach.
In addition to golf, Peyton works at Rolling Hills Golf Course in the summer, volunteers as a baseball umpire, and enjoys guiding pheasant hunts. He is currently studying business administration and playing on the men’s golf team at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota.
 
 



 

Sawyer Henrich of Aberdeen, SD played several sports at Roncalli High School and enjoyed a successful academic career.  Lettering multiple times in both golf and tennis, Sawyer also participated in band, acting, and journalism.

He enjoyed success at all levels of golf while growing up in Junior Golf Aberdeen programs.  As a First Tee lesson program and PGA Junior Golf League participant, Sawyer gained knowledge of how to compete while learning valuable life skills through the game of golf.  Later, he became a coach for both programs while participating on the SDGA State Junior Tour and helped lead Roncalli to several Region championships and top-5 finishes at State tournaments.

Sawyer finished second in his graduating class at Roncalli with a 4.041 grade point average.  He was a member of the National Honor Society and won the Spirit of the Cavalier award.  He is attending North Dakota State University and majoring in Pharmacy.

Hayley Wirebaugh of Aberdeen, SD was a multi-sport athlete for Aberdeen Central High School.  She had a successful career playing golf for the top-rated Eagles girls team.  Hayley also had a successful junior career playing in the PGA Junior League, SDGA Junior Tour, SDGA Championships, and many local championships.  As a First Tee junior golf participant she reached the Eagle Level and went on to volunteer coach for the Aberdeen area First Tee program.

Hayley had an outstanding academic career graduating 27th in her class, was a member of the National Honor Society, and won many scholarly awards.  She is attending South Dakota State and majoring in operations management.
 

Braydon Jones of Aberdeen, SD played golf for Aberdeen Central High School and was an All-Conference, multiple All-State, and Academic All-State competition winner.  He had a successful junior career playing in the PGA Junior League, SDGA Junior Tour, SDGA Championships, and many local championships.  Braydon was also a First Tee participant and coach for PGA Junior League.

Braydon had an outstanding academic career graduating second in his class, was a member of the National Honor Society, and won many scholarly awards.  He is attending the South Dakota School of Mines majoring in electrical engineering.

 

Micah Dohrer was an excellent high school athlete for Aberdeen Central, and later Roncalli.  He played basketball and golf and won the South Dakota Class A Individual Golf Championship his senior year.  He was also a multiple winner of several events including the City Junior Championship and Moccasin Creek Junior Club Championship.

Micah worked the summers as a coach for the First Tee lesson program and served as a mentor to young golfers.  He is attending Dakota Wesleyan University and playing on the men’s golf team.

 

Danielle Podoll of Aberdeen, SD attended Aberdeen Central and played on the girl’s golf team, earning All-Conference and All-State honors.  She was an Eagle level participate in the First Tee, served in 4-H, played on the numerous state champion Aberdeen Cougar girls hockey team, participated in rodeo, and won several junior golf events throughout her playing career.

As a National Honor Society member and Honor Roll graduate, Danielle is attending Southwest Minnesota State University and is pursuing a degree in

Junior Golf Aberdeen is pleased to announce the winner of the Dean Shortridge Scholarship to benefit Aberdeen area junior golfers seeking post-high school educations. 

A $1000 scholarship has been awarded for the 2020-2021 school year to Ethan Vikander of Aberdeen, SD. Ethan played high school golf for Aberdeen Central and was a multiple All-ESD and All-State team member.  Ethan also enjoyed success on the on the SDGA Junior Tour and Minnesota Junior Tour and participated in several state championships.

Ethan volunteered as an instructor for the First Tee of South Dakota helping instruct youth at Moccasin Creek Country Club.  He also worked as a coach for the Rolling Hills teams as part of the Aberdeen PGA Junior League.  He is attending Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS, is a member of the men’s golf team, and pursuing a degree in business management.

A $1000 scholarship has been awarded for the 2019-2020 school year to Camryn Wipf of Aberdeen, SD.  Camryn played high school varsity golf for Aberdeen Central, and was a regular on the SDGA Sanford Junior Golf Tour.  Camryn has been active in The First Tee of South Dakota achieving the Ace Level and serving as a coach and mentor with The First Tee program in Aberdeen.  She graduated as one of the top students in her class and is attending Northern State University and pursuing a degree in elementary education.
 


Sydney Wirebaugh of Aberdeen, SD is an Aberdeen Central High School graduate and varsity leader of the Central Girls Golf team while enjoyed a standout junior golf career in the region.  Sydney has been active in The First Tee of South Dakota achieving the Ace Level and serving as a coach and mentor with The First Tee program in Aberdeen.  She graduated as one of the top students in her class and is attending South Dakota State University, playing on the Women’s Golf team, and pursuing a degree in early childhood education.


Mikayla Santjer of Aberdeen, SD, an Aberdeen Central High School graduate and varsity leader of the Central Girls Golf team. She is attending Post University in Waterbury, CT, playing on the Women’s Golf & Hockey teams, and pursuing a degree in equine studies.


Connor Preston of Aberdeen, SD, is an Aberdeen Central High School graduate and five year stand out for the Central Golf program. He is attending Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, playing on the Men’s Golf team, and pursuing a degree in Graphic Design.


Josh Anderson graduated from Aberdeen Central High School and will be attending the University of South Dakota.

Zach Streier is a 2015 Aberdeen Roncalli High School graduate and will be attending South Dakota State University.