Swisher scholarship searching for students who want to be like Mike

In Lebanon County, Mike Swisher is synonymous with local golf. One could make the argument that no one has had a greater influence on Lebanon County golf than Lebanon Country Club’s former head professional.

But to Swisher – or simply “Swish” – golf is more than a game; it’s an avenue, a vehicle. It’s a way for the self-professed people person to help others, especially the younger ones.

Since his formal retirement 12 years ago, the golf scholarship that bears his name has been a way for Swisher to stay connected with the game and with people. Although it really wasn’t started with it in mind, the Mike Swisher Scholarship has enhanced what was already an illustrious legacy.

“This thing is almost like the continuation of the junior golf program,” said Swisher, who was instrumental in implementing the Lebanon Country Club and Lebanon County’s junior golf programs. “I’m doing a lot for kids. That’s why they (the country club’s board of trustees) started the program. They recognized the success I had with junior golf and they wanted to continue it by having this scholarship. I had some great, great junior golfers at the Lebanon Country Club.”

The application deadline for the 12^th edition of the annul Mike Swisher Scholarship is quickly approaching. The application for the higher education scholarship – two $2,000 awards for Central Pennsylvania male students intending to pursue higher education and two $2,000 awards for area female students – is due by Friday, May 9.

Included with the application should be a completed form, three references, and a 200- to 300-word essay on “How the game of golf has influenced you to succeed in the many facets of your life and how it will further motivate you to prosper in future endeavors.”

Applicants should be involved with golf at some level, practice good sportsmanship, serve the community and excel academically. Completed applications should be mailed to Mike Swisher Scholarship Fund, 44 Ladderback Lane, Palmyra, PA 17078.

Scholarship winners will be celebrated at a golf event at the country club in July.

“This is a decent scholarship, but it’s more about the impact Swish has had on people,” said Ben Brewer, a trustee of the Mike Swisher Scholarship. “That’s why we don’t give this scholarship to the best scholastic golfer in the area. The scholarship is about being a good person and the parallels that you can learn from the game of golf and life. We’re trying to find four kids who are going to have an impact on people.”

The scholarship is funded through an annual golf outing at the Lebanon Country Club. This year’s event will be played on Saturday, July 19.

“It goes without saying that he’s had an impact on the local golf community,” said Brewer. “But Swish has not just had an impact on the local golf community, but also on regional and state golf. It’s more than half-a-century of growing the game of golf. He’s always gravitated toward growing the game and helping the younger golfer. That’s how he’s gotten the most out of it.”

The Mike Swisher Scholarship was started in 2014, not long after Swish retired from a 42-year career as the head golf professional at Lebanon Country Club. The scholarship began by awarding $1,000 to a deserving male and female from Central Pennsylvania who was interested in golf.

Since its inception, the scholarship has awarded a total of $72,000 to 60 Central Pennsylvania students.

“It’s not something I had to make myself do,” said Swisher of his involvement with youth golf. “It’s something I wanted to do. My goal was to have the best junior golf program and the best ladies golf program around.”

“He really can’t help himself,” said Brewer. “If he can help in any way to give back, that’s the legacy he wants to leave. It extends beyond being a golf professional. He wants to contribute to society.”

In the world of golf, Swisher made a name for himself with skills for teaching and nurturing the mental side of the game.

He was the assistant golf professional at Lebanon Country Club from 1965 to 1967. After managing Parkview Golf Course in Hershey in 1968, he became the head pro at LCC in 1969.

Upon his retirement in 2011, Swisher served as the head coach of the Lebanon Valley College golf program.

“Golf was my life,” said Swisher. “I grew up in Quentin. When they built the golf course (Fairview), my dad made me go over and caddy. There were no pull carts. That’s how I got my start.”