Junior Golf News
Prestigious High School Golf Award Presented
During her senior season , Sullivan won three regular-season tournaments and the 6A Regional at Falcon Lakes , shooting two under par 70 for a three-stroke victory . She finished tied for 12th at State after finishing in the top 10 in three previous state tournaments . Overall , Sullivan ’ s scoring average for her senior season was 73.18 .
In the classroom , Sullivan ’ s current senior class rank is “ Seventh ” out of 506 students , having taken almost exclusively Advanced Placement Courses . She has earned many academic honors , including an AP Scholar with Distinction , the Honor Roll each year , the National Honor Society , the National Arts Honor Society , and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Roll .
Sullivan ’ s volunteer and leadership activities are extensive . She was the sole Olathe Northwest student selected to the Leadership Overland Park Program , served on the school ’ s Leadership Committee during her sophomore , junior , and senior years , was a Student Council member during her junior and senior years , a volunteer with the Salvation Army , a School Library volunteer , a Raven Service Club volunteer , a DECA organizer , a senior class leader , and more .
Sullivan started her own business called Cards by Claire , in which she created hand-drawn designs , sourced a professional printer , marketed the cards to local businesses to sell in their stores , as well as through her Instagram page , and donated all the proceeds from her business to the HALO Foundation ( which supports homeless kids in the Metro Area ).
Claire Sullivan received the annual Kenneth Smith Award in a ceremony on December 12 at Olathe Northwest High School . The award , sponsored by the Kenneth L . and Eva S . Smith Foundation , is presented annually ( this is the 26th Annual Award ) to both a Greater Kansas City area high school female and male golfer who best demonstrates 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 through school , church , or other activities
All area high school girls ’ golf team coaches and athletics directors were invited to submit nominations for this award .
Sullivan has been a four-year starter on the Olathe Northwest girls ’ golf team . During those four years , Sullivan was instrumental in Olathe Northwest ’ s two Kansas 6A State Team Championships ( 2022 and 2023 ). On an individual basis , she was selected First Team All-State for the 2024 and 2022 seasons and Second Team All-State for the 2023 and 2021 seasons .
30 February 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE
Looking to the future , Sullivan is currently considering attending one of the several highly-ranked universities where she is thinking of studying Finance and Accounting .
According to Sullivan ’ s coach , Mike Grove , “ Claire is the best leader I have ever seen in my 30-plus years in education . She leads with commitment and in a positive manner in every group or organization in which she volunteers . She was our best practice player and served as a role model for many younger players .”
In recognition of Claire Sullivan ’ 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 ’ high school golf season .
For additional information , please contact Patrick J . McMahon at 913 . 491.9855 or plemcmahon @ earthlink . net .
( Photo of Claire Sullivan by Katie Cowan .)