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The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund awards millions in need-based college scholarships each year to deserving young men and women who have worked at Massachusetts golf courses.
Jaelyn DeBoise ’26 Serves as Student Speaker at Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund Annual Banquet
The captain of the golf team addressed a crowd of 1,700 people during the program, held on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Ouimet Fund President Duncan Gratton (left) and Jaelyn DeBoise ’26 (right)
Jaelyn DeBoise ’26 of Springfield, Massachusetts, served as student speaker at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund Annual Banquet, America’s largest golf dinner. The event was held on Monday, April 21 at Encore Boston Harbor. Addressing a sold-out crowd of 1,700 guests, the marketing major with minors in Spanish and entrepreneurship discussed her journey to Stonehill, as well as the impact that the Ouimet Scholarship Fund has had on her education.
In her speech, DeBoise, a first-generation student, shared that she was raised by her father, Cortez, who serves as a correctional officer with the Hampton County Sheriff’s Department. Thanks in part to his tireless support, DeBoise earned the title of women’s golf team captain at Stonehill.
“[My father has] always been my rock, quietly sacrificing so I could chase my dreams,” she said.
The young golfer also felt empowered to pursue Division I athletics at Stonehill because of her experiences working at various country clubs in Massachusetts.
“Working in golf has taught me valuable life lessons,” she said. “Being around passionate, driven people inspires me to aim higher and dream bigger. The people I’ve met through golf have shaped my journey and led me here.”
A third element of support that DeBoise highlighted during her remarks was the generosity demonstrated to her by the Ouimet Scholarship Fund. She noted that she didn’t know where she would be without the scholarship given to her by the organization, which has allowed her to “fully embrace the college experience.”
“I’m proud to serve as an ambassador for the Ouimet community and to give back to the organization that has given me so much,” she said.
After her speech concluded, DeBoise was surprised by Ouimet Fund President Duncan Gratton with an additional Ouimet Scholarship.
“Congratulations for all you’ve achieved,” Gratton said to DeBoise while presenting this grant. “That’s why we do it. That’s why we all extend a little more for scholars like you.”