CARROLLTON, TX – The third annual Choctaw Nation Gaming & Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament raised more than $319,000 for the Chahta Foundation Gaming & Hospitality Scholarship Program. The tournament was held at the Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, TX, with presenting sponsors Aristocrat and Gaming Capital Group. The event itself raised over $159,000, which was then matched by Choctaw Nation to bring the total to over $319,000.
The scholarships aim to assist tribal members in becoming future leaders in the gaming and hospitality industry by awarding scholarships to those seeking a degree in a variety of fields including hospitality management, hotel management, business, management information systems, economics, finance and marketing at a vocational, two-year or four-year institution.
“The Choctaw Nation wants to support its tribal members’ goals and dreams, and these scholarships are a key part of those efforts,” said Angela Palmer, Executive Director of the Chahta Foundation. “Helping tribal members gain access to higher education strengthens not only the individual, but their families, communities and our tribe. We’re honored to play a role in the furthering of their careers, and we’re excited to watch this scholarship program expand.”
In October, the Chahta Foundation awarded fifteen $10,000 scholarships to Choctaw students pursuing degrees in fields that benefit the gaming and hospitality industry. This year’s scholarships were given to tribal members in Oklahoma, Arizona, Iowa and Texas.
The 2025 Chahta Foundation Scholarship recipients include Abby Beck of Durant, OK, attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University; Lydia Bleak of Camp Verde, AZ, attending Utah State University; Matthew Brame of Moyers, OK, attending the University of Oklahoma; Alan Brott of Sioux City, IA, attending Bellevue University; and Luke Clark of McAlester, OK, attending Eastern Oklahoma State College. Additional recipients are Gavin Crouch of Pauls Valley, OK, attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University; Jace Herald of Collinsville, OK, attending Oklahoma State University; Eedrick Johnson of Wagoner, OK, also attending Oklahoma State University; Brett Lindley of Hartshorne, OK, attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University; and Kolton Mason of Calera, OK, attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Rounding out the list are Sheena Rasha of Tulsa, OK, attending the University of Phoenix; Karis Rubert of Mounds, OK, attending Northeastern State University; Abigail Smart of Morris, OK, attending the University of Tulsa; Maddox Smith of McKinney, TX, attending the University of Oklahoma; and Trystan Weeks of Midwest City, OK, attending Oklahoma State University.