The Central New York PGA is pleased to announce the recipients of the Section’s 2025 scholarships are Catherine Dadey, the daughter of Sean Dadey, PGA, and Sophia Ferris, the granddaughter of Dave Ferris, PGA.

 

The scholarships are available to children and grandchildren of PGA of America Members. The Section’s Scholarship Committee awarded both Dadey and Ferris $1,000 scholarships toward their education.

 

Ferris is currently a grad student at SUNY Cortland pursuing a Masters in Physical Education. The 21-year-old graduated from SUNY Cortland with a degree in Physical Education last May.

 

 

In addition to her college studies, Ferris gained valuable work experience while interning with the CNY PGA for two summers.

 

“The most important thing I learned about being an intern is how beneficial work relationships are and how to have a good work ethic,” Ferris said.

 

Ferris said her professional goals include becoming a teacher and a coach.

 

Dadey, 22, is scheduled to graduate this May from Syracuse University with dual Bachelors of Science degrees in Business Analytics and Marketing Management from the Martin J Whitman School of Management.

 

“I am so very grateful for this scholarship,” Dadey said. “It is such an honor to be chosen. It is always a great motivator to hold myself to a higher standard and stretch my goals.”

 

 

Dadey, a former Section 3 golf champion at Westhill High School, spent a semester abroad last year with her home base in Madrid Spain. She studied a variety of subjects abroad including Spanish, Art History, Marketing in Spain, and a Psychology of European cultures course.

 

Dadey made the most of her time in Europe, traveling to Barcelona, Valencia, London, Portugal, Ireland, Greece, Malta, Mallorca, and Ibiza.

 

“I learned so much when I was abroad,” she said. “I think the independence aspect of the whole experience is what was most important. It was truly a transformative experience; I was inspired every day to go and do/learn something new.”

 

Dadey is undecided on her professional career path but is excited for what the future holds.

 

“I just want to be in a career where I wake up every day excited to do what I do, and surround myself with people who make me a better person day in and day out,” Dadey said.

 

Congratulations to Catherine and Sophia!