On Monday, October 14, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy held its 39th Annual Harry G. Johansing Scholarship Golf Tournament and Dinner at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale. Clear skies and warm weather greeted the 106 golfers as they teed off at 11 a.m. Along the course, players also had the opportunity to hit a hole-in-one for a 2014 Toyota Prius donated by Mike Smith and Bob Smith Toyota Scion.

After a long day of golf, players joined their family, friends and other FSHA community members for a cocktail hour and dinner. The highlight of the cocktail hour was new competition called “Bet on the Sisters,” where five Dominican Sisters competed in a classic putt-off—habits and all. According to Charlotte Saydah, Special Events Manager at FSHA, “Our wonderful Sisters came up with the idea of participating in a putting contest, which our guests enjoyed tremendously. Our Sisters are such good sports!”

At the dinner, Golf Committee Chair Craig Shewfelt (father of Haley ’14) welcomed guests, informing them that the Johansing Endowed Scholarship Fund is “the largest scholarship endowment at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.” One such example was the evening’s featured speaker, Julia Byrne ’16, a recipient of scholarship assistance. A student leader with stellar grades, Julia spoke about her passion for mathematics (she received a perfect SAT math score), the supportive and welcoming environment of FSHA, and her determined plans for the future. “My career ambition is to be an engineer someday. I want to be an example to other women and girls, to show them that they can and should strive for leadership roles within the currently male dominated world of engineering,” she said. It was no surprise that Julia received a standing ovation.

The night ended with awards for tournament players, jewelry and cash raffles, as well as a paddle pledge. Saydah declared the event a huge success, saying, “This is very close to my heart, as I know there are many amazing girls who wouldn’t be able to afford a FSHA education without our help, and these students enrich life on the Hill tremendously. Every student benefits when we are able to give a hand to those who need it.”

For more information about Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, visit http://www.fsha.org/