2022 Herman Sani Scholars announced

Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950. Sani served as IGA President in 1929.
The recipients of the 2022 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Nora Carlson, of Humboldt, John Cahalan, of West Des Moines, Derek Peng, of Ames and Ashton Martens, of Grundy Center, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total). Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Echo Valley Country Club, Norwalk, in August.
Nora Carlson, the daughter of Tom and Sara Carlson, is a graduate of Humboldt High School and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to study Kinesiology on an Occupational Therapy track.
“I am honored and humbled to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship. I am grateful to everyone who makes this scholarship possible. This scholarship aids financially helping me focus more on my coursework. I am thankful for the opportunities given to me through the game of golf and for the lessons which I have learned through the game. I hope to always be a representative of characteristics which embody the game of golf and the core values of the Herman Sani Scholarship; honesty, humility, and perseverance.”
John Cahalan, the son of Steve and Gabrielle Cahalan, is a graduate of Dowling Catholic High School and has been accepted to the University of Iowa, SMU, Luther and St. Olaf College and plans to double major in Business Administration and Music Performance.
“To be selected as a Herman Sani Scholar is an incredible honor. It was impactful to see how many successful people have been chosen, whether it be a success in golf or a career. I am pretty blessed to be included in this remarkable history. Being a Sani Scholar will always tie me back to the great game of golf, a game that has led to lifelong friendships and memories are just as important as any accomplishments or successes. I am very thankful to be selected and am looking forward to hopefully adding to the incredible legacy of Herman Sani.”
Derek Peng, the son of Edward and Natalia Peng, is a graduate of Ames High School and has been accepted to Georgetown University, UNC Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, NC State University, Iowa State University and the University of Iowa and plans to study economics or mechanical engineering.
“Golf has been a huge part of my life since a very young age. Besides the challenge and the fun, I’ve learned that golf is a wonderful opportunity to have a positive impact in my community. I’m honored to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship and look forward to continuing to share my passions with the people around me.”
Ashton Martens, the son of Steven and Patti Martens, is a graduate of Grundy Center and will be attending Upper Iowa University in the fall to play golf and study business or marketing.
“To be selected as a Herman Sani Scholar is truly a dream come true. Golf has always played a very important role in my life and will continue to play a role in my future. The game itself has taught me many life lessons, on and off the course. This scholarship will help me pursue my Marketing degree while playing golf at Upper Iowa University over the next four years. I am truly honored and blessed to be selected as a recipient of such a prestigious scholarship.”
The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2022, 195 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.
Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.



Nora Carlson, of Humboldt, is the daughter of Tom and Sara Carlson and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to study Kinesiology on an Occupational Therapy track.
Madison Craig, of Solon, is the daughter of Ray and Beth Craig and will be attending Central College in the fall to study Biology on the Pre-Med Track.
Amber Henson, of Marshalltown, is the daughter of Mark and Andrea Henson and will be attending Drake University in the fall to study Finance and Data Analytics.
Alexa Garvin, of Wilton, is the daughter of Gregg and Kelly Garvin and will be attending St. Ambrose University in the fall for Nursing. Garvin earned her CNA verification this summer.
Emma Davidson, of Northwood, is the daughter of Ron and Michelle Davidson and will be attending Iowa State University in the fall to double major in Agronomy and Seed Science.
Mark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He participated on the Men’s Golf Team while at Iowa. Mark turned professional and had stints as an Assistant Professional at the Des Moines Golf & Country Club. Then he was Head PGA Professional at Otter Creek Golf Course in Ankeny, Iowa and Irv Warren Golf Course (Byrnes Park GC) in Waterloo, Iowa before becoming a Co-Owner and building Airport National Public Golf Complex in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He sold that facility and retired to Lenexa, Kansas in 2019. Mark was a PGA Member for nearly 39 years, having gained his Class A status on June 1, 1983.
The Ann Griffel Scholarship was named after the long time IWGA President, Ann Griffel. Ann was inducted into the Iowa Golf Hall of Fame in 2006 to honor her contributions to the game. Since 1963, 253 students have received this scholarship. The IGAF awards $2,000 Ann Griffel Scholarships to Iowa high school senior girls who intend to further their education at an Iowa institution of higher learning, whether a college, university or trade school.
Hannah Fangmann, of Peosta, is the daughter of Jeremy and Brenda Fangmann and will be attending Wartburg College to study business administration in the fall.
Madeline Streicher, of Edgewood, is the daughter of Darrel and Lisa Streicher. She plans to attend Simpson College this fall and study biochemistry.
Amara Lytle, of Cedar Falls, is the daughter of Aaron and Shelli Lytle. Amara will be attending St. Ambrose University and will study industrial engineering in the fall.
Isabelle Schneidermann, of Rock Rapids, is the daughter of Scott and Natalie Schneidermann. She plans to attend Northwestern College (Orange City) in the fall and study actuarial science.
Anna Nacos, of Washington, is the daughter of Dave and Lisa Nacos. In the fall she will attend the University of Northern Iowa to study biology.
Paige Hoffman (right), the daughter of Brett and Lisa Hoffman, is a graduate of West Des Moines Valley High School and will be attending the University of South Dakota in the fall to play golf and study business administration.
Jack Dumas (left), the son of Brian & Jenifer Dumas, is a graduate of Pleasant Valley High School and will be attending Drake University to study business and finance this fall.
Jaci Webb (right), the daughter of Jeff and Traci Webb, is a graduate of Ankeny High School and will be studying political science on the pre-law track at William Jewell College (Liberty, Mo.) in the fall.
Luke Meyer (left), the son of Monte and Dyan Meyer, is a graduate of Cedar Falls High School and will attend Iowa State University in the fall to major in mechanical engineering.
Taylor Garvin is the daughter of Gregg and Kelly Garvin. She is a graduate of Wilton High School and will be attending St. Ambrose University in Davenport in the fall to study biochemistry on a Pre-Dental/Medicine Track. She will play on the Fighting Bees Women’s Golf Team.
Anna Jensen is the daughter of Leon & Mary Jensen. She is a graduate of Wahlert Catholic High School in Dubuque, and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall. She will be a member of the Panthers Women’s Golf Team.
Allison Nuss is the daughter of Marty & Carolyn Nuss. She is a graduate of New Hampton High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall, where she plans to study biology or exercise science. She will play on the Panthers Women’s Golf Team. Allison has aspirations to become a college coach or a teaching professional.
Morgan Nuss is the daughter of Marty & Carolyn Nuss. She is a graduate of New Hampton High School and will be attending the University of Northern Iowa in the fall, where she plans to study Mathematics Teaching. She will join her sister to play on the Panthers Women’s Golf Team. She has expressed an interest in giving back to golf through coaching.


