Featured Story

Dream Cup Challenge raises $40,000 for education

Thursday, Apr 28, 2011
Kendall Litton Jensen

Softball Coach Courtney Miller (left) and Baseball Coach Chris Hayes flank Mack Blythe Award recipients Lauren Vinson and Martin Kelly.

The Foundation for Seminole State College welcomed 136 business leaders and College supporters to its 28th annual Dream Cup Challenge Golf Tournament, raising more than $40,000 for education.

The 18-hole competition, held April 18 at the Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes, featured a scholarship awards presentation, course contests, appearances by Seminole State President Dr. E. Ann McGee and the Raider women's golf team, a silent auction and a catered barbecue dinner.

Before the event kicked off, two student-athletes were honored with Mack Blythe Outstanding Freshman of the Year Awards for their accomplishments on and off the field. Blythe, the College's former Business Department chair, founded the Dream Cup Challenge to raise money for student programs and scholarships.

The award recipients were:

• Lauren Vinson, the top pitcher on the Seminole State softball team and a recent FCSAA Pitcher of the Week. In 56 game appearances and 162.2 innings thrown, the right-hander went 20-4, striking out 129 batters and holding opponents to a .235 hitting average and 2.35 earned run average. At the plate she hit .335, with two doubles, one home run and 36 RBIs. Vinson, a native of Prince George, Va., is a member of the College's Art & Phyllis Grindle Honors Institute. She is active in the community and maintains a 3.6 GPA.
• Martin Kelly, a centerfielder for the Seminole State baseball team and the third hitter in the team's lineup. The Pompton Plains, N.J., native started every game this season, batting .337 and ranking 30th in the nation with 46 RBIs. He also managed 14 doubles, two triples and five home runs, ranking in the top three in most offensive categories for the Raiders. Kelly spends many hours volunteering in Seminole County and maintains a 3.8 GPA. He has signed an athletic scholarship with St. John's University.

The foursome of Jack Thompson, Derek Sauser, Shawn Wilson and Matt Kremser, representing Jax 5th Avenue Deli and Ale House, took home the Dream Cup trophy with a score of 53.

The Dream Cup Challenge is one of Seminole County's premier golf events and a top fundraiser for the Foundation for Seminole State. For more information and a complete list of tournament winners, please visit the Foundation online.