NEW ORLEANS (Aug. 14, 2026) - The Allstate Sugar Bowl continued its commitment to supporting amateur athletics and educational opportunities throughout the region by awarding $12,500 in scholarships to five members of the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour.
The scholarships were presented at the 2026 Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour Annual Awards Banquet at Tchefuncta Country Club in Covington, La. The event, which attracted approximately 150 attendees, recognized outstanding junior golfers for their achievements on the course, in the classroom and throughout the community.
The five recipients of $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarships were:
- James Fuhrer – $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarship
- Katie Estridge – $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarship
- Samantha Schultz – $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarship
- Abigail Wilson – $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarship
- Alex Sedky – $2,500 Allstate Sugar Bowl Scholarship
In addition to supporting the scholarship program, Allstate Sugar Bowl Chief Executive Officer Jeff Hundley and the Allstate Sugar Bowl Committee were presented with the Dr. John & Helen Moore Distinguished Service Award in recognition of the organization's support of junior golf and the Kelly Gibson Foundation.
The five Allstate Sugar Bowl scholarships were part of $52,700 in college scholarships awarded to 23 members of the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour who participated in the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Mentorship Program during June and July. Scholarships were awarded based on community service, sportsmanship, academic achievement, and financial need.
Other organizations providing scholarships included the Fore!Kids Foundation, BC Cup Foundation and New Orleans Golf Association, along with scholarships funded through the Mackel Scholarship, P.I.G. Invitational Charity, Susan & Garic Schoen and Kelly Gibson Foundation.
The banquet also recognized the Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour Players of the Year in each age division and presented two Charlie Knox Sportsmanship Awards.
The 2026 KGJGT Players of the Year were Maxyn Mmopi (Boys 7-10), William Clayton (Boys 11-13), Elijah Dufrene (Boys 14-15), Jace Lefort (Boys 16-17), Buddy Fonseca (Boys 18-22), Abigail Cheramie (Girls 7-13), Ashley Biehl (Girls 14-17) and Samantha Schultz (Girls 18-22).
Savannah Moore and Deacon Belgard were presented with the Charlie Knox Sportsmanship Awards.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl has a longstanding commitment to supporting amateur athletics throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Through its community programs and partnerships, the organization supports opportunities for young athletes to compete, develop, and pursue their educational goals.
The Allstate Sugar Bowl has established itself as one of the premier college football bowl games, having hosted 29 national champions, 114 Hall of Fame players, 55 Hall of Fame coaches and 21 Heisman Trophy winners in its 92-year history. The 93rd Allstate Sugar Bowl Football Classic, which will serve as a College Football Playoff Semifinal, will be played on January 15, 2027. In addition to football, the Sugar Bowl Committee annually invests over $1 million into the community through hosting and sponsorship of sporting events, awards, scholarships, and clinics. Through these efforts, the organization supports and honors thousands of student-athletes each year, while injecting over $2.6 billion into the local economy in the last decade. For more information, visit www.AllstateSugarBowl.org.
