Golf has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad taught me when I was very young, and since then, golf has shaped who I am. It’s taught me patience, discipline, and how to handle pressure, skills that have helped me both on and off the course. I’ve competed in tournaments throughout high school, including qualifying for state three times and playing in USGA events, and I continue to play and compete whenever I can. While golf remains an important part of my life, I’m equally passionate about my academic and career goals. I’m currently a sophomore at Kansas State University studying Business Management and pursuing a certificate in nonprofit leadership. I chose this field because I want to combine my love for working with people and solving problems with the desire to make a meaningful impact in my community. Business and nonprofit work require discipline, teamwork, and leadership, qualities I’ve developed through golf and other experiences, and I’m excited to apply those skills to my future career. Growing up, I was involved in both the First Tee and Junior Golf programs, and now I coach for these programs, which is a full-circle moment. This experience has taught me the importance of encouraging others and giving back, but my passion extends beyond the golf course. Balancing three jobs, school, and extracurricular activities like Women in Business and the Executive Mentor Program has strengthened my ability to manage time, lead by example, and stay focused on my goals. During my senior year of high school, our girls’ golf team almost got cut because we didn’t have enough players. I worked hard to recruit teammates and keep the program alive, which taught me the importance of perseverance and advocacy. I would have been crushed if I couldn't play the sport I loved during my senior year. These lessons translate to every part of my life, whether it’s advocating for causes I believe in or pushing myself academically and professionally. Samuel D. Hartley’s life and dedication to golf, community, and service inspire me. I admire how he balanced a successful career with his commitment to the sport and his community. Like him, I want to build a career that combines my passions with a desire to contribute positively to others. This scholarship would help me continue my education and grow as a leader, both on the golf course and in my future career. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Kara Floersch

My love for golf started when I was young, but it’s become much more than just a sport to me. Golf challenges me, teaches me patience, and never lets my ego get too high. The game keeps you grounded, there’s always more to learn. I love that about it. It pushes me to grow, not just as a golfer, but as a person. My dad was the first to put a club in my hand, as soon as I could walk, and it quickly became something our whole family did together. I grew up in programs like The First Tee in Manhattan and Junior Golf in small-town Clay Center, Kansas. Now I coach both, which is a full-circle moment. I love working with younger kids and helping them find confidence through the game. I especially enjoy coaching girls and encouraging them to stick with it. My senior year of high school, our girls' golf program almost got cut because we didn’t have enough players; we needed four. That would have broken my heart. I started recruiting anyone who wasn’t already in a fall sport just to keep the team alive. That’s why, when I see younger girl golfers now, I try to give them extra support. Girls' golf is something I had to fight for, fight to be noticed by the school, fight to be allowed into tournaments (even if we were the only girls), and fight to keep the program going. It’s something I care deeply about, and my passion really comes through when I talk about it. I was lucky to play all four years in high school and qualified for state three times. My senior year, I finished with a medal tied for 18th. I also played in USGA tournaments and traveled with my family to play courses all over. We have so many great memories together on the golf course. Of course, my clubs came with me to college, and I still play for fun and compete in tournaments when I can. Being a female golfer has come with challenges. At times, I had to work harder to prove myself. Whether it was being underestimated or feeling out of place, I had to learn how to stay confident and keep showing up. That experience made me stronger. It taught me to focus on what I can control: my work ethic, my attitude, and how I treat others on and off the course. Now I’m a sophomore at Kansas State University, majoring in Business Management and earning a nonprofit certificate. I work three jobs, including coaching at The First Tee, and I’m involved in Women in Business and the Executive Mentor Program. Golf helped prepare me for all of this. It taught me discipline, how to lead by example, and how to stay calm under pressure. I’m proud to be a female golfer and to still be involved in the game. Golf has given me confidence, community, and so many opportunities. Now I get to help pass that on and hopefully inspire other young girls to stick with it too. Thank you for your consideration of this scholarship. Sincerely, Kara Floersch

The summer before I started college, I spent a lot of time coaching at youth golf camps. One day, a younger girl in my group was having a tough time hitting the ball. She told me she didn’t think she was good enough to be there. I sat with her, gave her a few tips, and reminded her that learning takes time. By the end of the session, she was smiling and swinging with confidence. That moment showed me how much I enjoy encouraging others and making a difference in small but meaningful ways. That’s something I carry into everything I do, whether it’s school, work, or service. My name is Kara Floersch, and this fall will be my sophomore year at Kansas State University, studying Business Management and working towards a non-profit certificate. I chose this path because I enjoy working with people, solving problems, and finding ways to give back. Like Margot Bogner, I believe in showing up with purpose, making the most of every opportunity, and supporting the people around me. Although I’m not part of Greek life, I did go through recruitment during my first semester. After considering it, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. But I still wanted to be part of something bigger. I joined Women in Business and the Executive Mentor Program, where I’ve connected with mentors, made friends, and found a group of driven women who support each other. I’ve built my own version of community, and it’s helped me grow as a student and as a person. Outside of class, I work three jobs, and each one means something different to me. I’m a nanny for a local family, and I drive their daughters to and from school. I love kids, and this job has taught me patience, flexibility, and how to be a consistent presence for others. I also intern at the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation (GMCF), a nonprofit where I help with marketing projects and attend Match Days and events. It’s given me hands-on experience in areas like marketing, while also showing me how business can be used to support a community. I’ve learned a lot about how non-profits function and how each person on the team plays an important role. Lastly, I work as a golf coach for The First Tee at Colbert Hills. Golf has been a big part of my life, and coaching combines my love for the game with my love for helping others. Teaching kids how to play golf, build confidence, and be nice to others has been one of the most rewarding things I do. I’m also active at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, which has given me a sense of purpose and a place to grow in my faith. Even with a busy schedule, I’m always striving to do my best and help others do the same. I hope to keep growing into someone who leads with kindness and purpose, just like Margot Bogner did. Thank you for considering my application. Go Cats! Kara Floersch