Ed Posh Home Image

16 high school scholars collectively receiving $80,000 in assistance for college

Register Now for the 31st Ed Posh Scholarship Shootout!

Friday, July 17th, 2026

Ed Posh Scholarship Fund 2026 Scholars

Gavin Loftsgaarden Scholar Image

Gavin Loftsgaarden

Samuel Rickert Scholar Image

Samuel Rickert

Ashrith Valluri Scholar Image

Ashrith Valluri

Nile Woods Scholar Image

Nile Woods

Since inception in 1995 and including 2026 the scholarship fund will have provided $1,400,000 to 126 scholars. Thanks to your generosity, this year there will be 16 scholars in school collectively receiving $80,000 in assistance..

Laurie Gustafson, chairman of the scholarship committee, announced the four new 2026 scholars, saying “Our committee is so impressed each year with the quality of young people who apply for the Ed Posh Scholarship. Beyond impressive grades, these students have been involved in numerous extra curriculars, from athletics to music to numerous clubs, often in leadership positions. Furthermore, they show a sincere interest in helping others, a real commitment to service, and a true determination to make a difference in the world. We feel great optimism for the future with leaders like these. Our decision was very difficult, as we met many talented students, but it was a true pleasure for us to meet them all, and to reward the following four with Ed Posh Scholarships.””

2026 Scholars:

Gavin Loftsgaarden

A senior at Glenbard South, will attend Loyola University in Chicago, where he will major in Biomedical Engineering. His current plans for the future are to make medical devices and later to become a doctor.

Samuel Rickert

A senior at Glenbard South, will attend Illinois State University, where he will major in Secondary Education Social Studies, and minor in Special Education. He plans to become a teacher and coach in high school.

Ashrith Valluri

A senior at Glenbard South, plans to attend the University of Illinois in Chicago as part of the BS/MD medical program with a major in environmental conservation. Plans for his future include conservation medicine, making impacts on human health and also engaging in wildlife research and advocacy.

Nile Woods

A senior at Glenbard West, plans to attend the University of Illinois in Champagne-Urbana, where he will double major in Finance and Accountancy. His future plan is to explore how artificial intelligence is changing the world of business.

The goal of the Fund is to make the Scholarship fund self-sustaining, in order to continue to grant scholarships honoring the lifetime contributions of Ed Posh, Head Pro Emeritus of the Village Links of Glen Ellyn. Ed’s untiring work over his career helped our area youth learn critical life skills and personal responsibility. The scholarship program honors his achievements by helping meritorious but financially disadvantaged area youths meet the challenge of increasingly costly higher education.

To help support this effort, go to the donation page of our website!

For the Ed Posh Scholarship Fund:

Craig Allen
President - Tel: 630‑772‑8231

Laurie Gustafson
Chairman of the Scholarship Committee - Tel: 630‑204‑7944

Interested in applying for a scholarship?

Fill out the Ed Posh Scholarship Application >.


Celebrating the Life of Ed Posh
1929 - 2024

Celebrating the Life of Ed Posh

Longtime PGA life member Ed Posh passed away peacefully late this past Wednesday night. Ed was a remarkable man who lived life with profound dedication, unwavering commitment, and boundless compassion. Ed Posh, a name synonymous with the Village Links of Glen Ellyn, leaves behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of time and touches the very heart of our golfing community.

Born in 1929, Ed's journey in the world of golf began as a young caddie at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It was there, amidst the emerald fairways and rolling greens, that he cultivated his passion for the game and honed the values of integrity, service, and kindness that would define his illustrious career

After serving his country with honor during the Korean War, Ed returned to civilian life with an unwavering determination to pursue his passion for golf. From his early days as a caddie master to his tenure as Golf Professional at various esteemed clubs, Ed's expertise and dedication were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In 1967, Ed embarked on a new chapter in his career when he became the first Head Golf Professional at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn. Over the years, he transformed this municipal golf course into a vibrant hub of camaraderie, competition, and community engagement, drawing golfers from all walks of life to share in the joy of the game and foster connections that extended far beyond the fairways. Through his tireless efforts, Ed created an inclusive environment where golfers of all levels could come together to share their love for the game.

Celebrating the Life of Ed Posh

But Ed's impact extended far beyond the manicured greens and pristine fairways. He was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of light for countless aspiring golfers, guiding them with wisdom, patience, and encouragement. He knew everyone’s name and the names of everyone in their families. His innovative Junior Golf Program, launched in 1968, touched the lives of thousands of young players, instilling in them not just the skills of the game but also the values of sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance.

Ed's generosity knew no bounds. Despite working without a sick day or vacations, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the Village Links and its patrons. His boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm, and genuine love for the game endeared him to all who crossed his path.

Ed Posh’s legacy will endure for generations to come. The Ed Posh Scholarship Fund, established in his honor upon his retirement in 1995, is a testament to his commitment to education and opportunity. Through this fund, Ed's spirit will continue to inspire and empower young minds to pursue their dreams, just as he pursued his own with unwavering determination and grace.