2023 Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship Awarded
ROCKFORD, IL - The Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship for young women was established within the Rockford Park District Foundation to assist girls who enjoy playing the game of golf and who are pursuing an undergraduate degree. This scholarship was made possible by the great generosity of Jane Lyons, who left nearly $1.2 million to the Foundation to endow the scholarship and provide funding for girls golf programming in the Rockford Park District. One $2,500 scholarship will be provided annually, and is renewable for up to four years for a cumulative total of $10,000. The first scholarship was awarded in 2015.
Applicant Eligibility
Female students who enjoy playing the game of golf
Residents of Winnebago/ Boone County or a participant in a Rockford Park District golf program
Enrolled or plan to enroll in a full-time two- or four-year degree program
At the Rockford Park District Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Kyra Simon was awarded the 2023 Jane Lyons Memorial Scholarship. Kyra is a graduate of Winnebago High School and will attend Missouri Southern State University in the fall, where she will be playing collegiate golf and majoring in Environmental Health and Safety. Kyra has played golf since she was 4 years old. She grew up playing golf in the Rockford Park District starting with Tiger Cub lessons at Ingersoll Golf Course. Over the years she’s been involved in tournaments, Jr. PGA League, and Lloyd McWilliams Winer Golf Academy.
“These experiences opened my eyes to how fun the sport could be, instilling that golf is much more than a game, it is life. Sometimes you hit a bad shot, but it is all about the next one and how you bounce back. Coach Lloyd McWilliams and Coach Dave Copp helped instill in me the etiquette that is associated not only with the game but with life,” said Kyra Simon.
About Jane Lyons
Jane Lyons was more than a golf enthusiast, although golf played an integral role in her life, and kept her young. Jane played in the Women’s Classic Golf Championship for more than 60 years. She also played in the first Girls Junior Classic, winning the C Flight in 1941. The Women’s Classic and Girls Junior were the only sporting competitions open to women at that time. Jane graduated from West High School in 1945, earned a B.A. from the University of Arizona, and received her M.A.T. degree from Rockford College. She was dedicated to serving children throughout her career, and committed to women participating in athletics. She was president of the Women’s Athletic Association at the University of Arizona, and received the Outstanding Senior Woman Award.