Lincoln-Way East student Raul Rincon has been awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Evans Scholars Foundation. The scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with limited financial means.
Rincon, who moved to Illinois from Venezuela in junior high, had to overcome many obstacles, such as learning English and adapting to his school environment, in order to get where he is today. His hardworking parents wanted to give him the best opportunity to grow and succeed, and so they moved to Frankfort and enrolled him at Lincoln-Way East during his sophomore year. It was also during that year that Rincon became a caddy for Prestwick Country Club.
He studied for and passed the caddy test but had to wait two months to begin working due to a broken arm. Rincon has now been a caddy for two years and takes pride in helping his players on the course.
Receiving the Evans Scholarship means an opportunity to attend college that he wouldn’t have otherwise had. “Having the privilege of this scholarship is truly life changing,” he continued, “I will be the first one in my family to attend an American university, and I’ll make sure that I’m not the last one.” While he is still unsure of which university he will attend, Rincon hopes to major in business or marketing.
Rincon attributes much of his success to his friends and teachers at Lincoln-Way, noting that he has learned many valuable lessons and was given many opportunities during his time as a Griffin.
Outside of school, Raul is dedicated to making a positive impact on those around him. He volunteers at homeless shelters, supplements his family’s income, and assists with community events at his local church.