Brother Rice is proud to share that legacy students Timothy and Jack Nelson have been awarded Evans Scholarships out of Oakland Hills Country Club. The Evans Scholarship is a full tuition and housing college scholarship for high-achieving caddies with excellent academics and outstanding character who have demonstrated financial need.
“The Evans Scholarship Program and Oakland Hills have provided a truly exceptional opportunity to these remarkable young men. We are proud and grateful,” said Tom Reidy, President of Brother Rice. “One of the greatest gifts that our alumni can give us is the opportunity to inspire future generations of their family. The Nelson family has a long history at Brother Rice, spanning over forty years, with the 14th legacy Warrior from their family joining the class of 2025 in the fall.
Regarding the scholarships, Jack speaks for both students, gratefully expressing, “Being a recipient of this prestigious scholarship is an honor and means the absolute world to me. It feels like all of my work these past few years has been recognized. This scholarship will positively impact me for the rest of my life, and I owe it all to my family and Oakland Hills. It seems like a dream come true.”
In 2017, the twins unexpectedly lost their father, William Nelson (class of 1984), just before they entered Brother Rice as freshmen that fall. They joined older brother Billy (class of 2018) and alumnus Christopher (class of 2016) in carrying on their beloved father’s legacy and enthusiasm for the school. They both feel that being a legacy student makes walking these halls every day that much more special — proudly enjoying the same traditions as their dad did.
Thrilled for her sons, Julie Nelson shares, “As a mother, I could not be any prouder that my sons were named as recipients of the Evans Scholarship. Their dream of becoming Evans Scholars became a reality through hard work and perseverance. I cannot think of two more deserving individuals.” Indeed, with 26 honors and 16 AP classes between them, they were determined to make their shared dream a reality. As a result, the dynamic duo will be headed to Ross Business School at the University of Michigan this fall.
Among the top achievers of their class academically, the well-rounded students participate in a wide range of activities at Brother Rice, including NHS, athletics, leadership and mentoring programs, Business Entrepreneurial Club, and both are solidly rooted in faith and service. Principal Ed Okuniewski said, “Both of these young men have achieved excellence in academics, in leadership roles, and in serving others. They have shown incredible perseverance through difficult circumstances. They are grounded and thoughtful young men, and we are very proud of Tim and Jack.”
They are ready for college, and more importantly, they are ready for life. Timothy explains how Brother Rice prepared him to take the next big step in life, “Brother Rice helped me to grow and excel academically and spiritually, but most importantly, it has allowed me to mature and to become an adult as I transition to my college career. It has helped to strengthen and develop my character immensely throughout these last four years. The academics are second to none, and the pillars of respect, integrity, character, and excellence have been instilled within me for a lifetime.”
