News

CARROLLTON, Texas (Dec. 10, 2025)- The third annual Choctaw Nation Gaming & Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament raised more than $319,000 for the Chahta Foundation Gaming & Hospitality Scholarship Program.

The tournament was held at the Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas, on Oct. 21, with presenting sponsors Aristocrat and Gaming Capital Group. The event itself raised over $159,000, which was then matched by Choctaw Nation to bring the total to over $319,000.

These scholarships aim to assist tribal members in becoming future leaders in the gaming and hospitality industry by awarding scholarships to those seeking a degree in a variety of fields including hospitality management, hotel management, business, management information systems, economics, finance and marketing at a vocational, two-year or four-year institution.

“The Choctaw Nation wants to support its tribal members’ goals and dreams, and these scholarships are a key part of those efforts,” said Angela Palmer, executive director of the Chahta Foundation. “Helping tribal members gain access to higher education strengthens not only the individual, but their families, communities and our tribe. We’re honored to play a role in the furthering of their careers, and we’re excited to watch this scholarship program expand.”

In October, the Chahta Foundation awarded fifteen $10,000 scholarships to Choctaw students pursuing degrees in fields that benefit the gaming and hospitality industry. This year’s scholarships were given to tribal members in Oklahoma, Arizona, Iowa and Texas.

2025 Chahta Foundation Scholarship Recipients

• Abby Beck from Durant, Oklahoma (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
• Lydia Bleak from Camp Verde, Arizona (Utah State University)
• Matthew Brame from Moyers, Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma)
• Alan Brott from Sioux City, Iowa (Bellevue University)
• Luke Clark from McAlester, Oklahoma (Eastern Oklahoma State College)
• Gavin Crouch from Pauls Valley, Oklahoma (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
• Jace Herald from Collinsville, Oklahoma (Oklahoma State University)
• Eedrick Johnson from Wagoner, Oklahoma (Oklahoma State University)
• Brett Lindley from Hartshorne, Oklahoma (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
• Kolton Mason from Calera, Oklahoma (Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
• Sheena Rasha from Tulsa, Oklahoma (University of Phoenix)
• Karis Rubert from Mounds, Oklahoma (Northeastern State University)
• Abigail Smart from Morris, Oklahoma (University of Tulsa)
• Maddox Smith from McKinney, Texas (University of Oklahoma)
• Trystan Weeks from Midwest City, Oklahoma (Oklahoma State University)

About The Choctaw Nation

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 230,000 tribal members and 13,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 14,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage and traditions, please go to www.choctawnation.com.

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