Junior Golf News
Prestigious High School Golf Award Presented
All area high school golf team coaches and athletics directors were invited to submit nominations for this award .
As a junior at Blue Valley High School during the fall of 2023 girls ’ high school golf season , Hadley Neese was the two-round Blue Valley individual champion , the three-round Eastern Kansas League ( EKL ) individual champion , the Kansas 6A regional individual champion , and the Kansas 6A State tournament runner up with a two day total of 140 – 2 under par ( 72 , 68 ). As a freshman and sophomore , she finished 6th and 9th , respectively , in the Kansas 6A state tournament , achieving three straight top 10 state tournament finishes . During the 2023 season , Neese set the all-time Blue Valley High School record ( boys and girls ) for the lowest 18-hole round score of 66 ( 6 under par ).
In the classroom , Neese has achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.95 on a 4.0 scale . She has been on the Blue Valley Principal ’ s Honor Roll each semester during her high school years and is currently enrolled in several advanced placement classes .
Neese attends Grace Church , where she frequently volunteers with childcare and has long volunteered her time as a Harvester . Hadley also works part-time at a local golf course .
According to Neese ’ s Coach , Todd McCarthy , “ Hadley is the epitome of a peer leader — first to arrive and last to leave , setting an example of solid work ethic combined with positive peer mentoring . Hadley is a unique individual who exhibits the highest standards of integrity and respect for her peers , adults , and the sport she loves .”
The annual Kenneth Smith Award was presented to Hadley Neese December 12 , 2023 in a ceremony at Blue Springs South High School . The award is sponsored by the Kenneth L . and Eva S . Smith Foundation and is awarded annually to both a Greater Kansas City Area High School female and male golfer who best demonstrate excellence in the following areas :
● Performance in high school golf tournaments
● Academic Achievement
● Leadership on the golf team and in other school areas
● Community Service , school , church or other activities
Recognizing Neese ’ s outstanding achievements , the Kenneth L . and Eva S . Smith Foundation is contributing $ 5,000 to First Tee of Greater Kansas City to support their cutting-edge child development programs .
A companion Kenneth Smith Award will be presented next spring at the conclusion of the boys ’ 2024 high school golf season .
For additional information , please contact Patrick J . McMahon at 913 . 491.9855 or plemcmahon @ earthlink . net .
( Photo of Hadley Neese by Katie Cowan .)
38 February 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE