Paupack's Jaymison Ostrowski earns final Earl J. Simons Scholarship

Jaymison Ostrowski (left) is the final winner of the Earl J. Simons Memorial Golf Scholarship. He is pictured here with the late Bob Simons, legendary Paupack coach and the PIAA's all-time winningest golf skipper.

Simons passed away in 1994 at the age of 71. Later that year, a committee led by his son Bob, along with Reggie Wayman and John Davis, convened to consider the best way to honor his memory.

After much consideration it was decided to host an annual golf tournament and establish a memorial fund in his honor. And so one event supported the other, and for more than three decades the Earl Simons Scholarship was awarded to a deserving senior golfer.

“I didn’t know my grandfather as he passed about a month after I was born,” Bridget said. “It meant a lot to my Dad that we kept his memory alive. He and my grandfather loved good people who worked hard and were fun to be around.”

The last in line

Jaymison Ostrowski first showed interest in golf at the age of just three when he began fooling around with a set of plastic clubs in his front yard.

Bob Simons took Ostrowski under his wing during the eighth grade and helped guide him to solid success on the links.

“I really enjoyed my years playing under Coach Simons,” Ostrowski said. “He taught me the importance of patience and always being focused. I learned so much from him and we had a lot of laughs. My time with Coach Simons will always be a cherished memory.”

Bridget Simons (left) presents Walenpaupack Area senior golfer Jaymison Ostrowski (right) with the final Earl J. Simons Memorial Scholarship award on April 16, 2026.

Ostrowski was twice elected to serve as a varsity captain. Some of his high school accomplishments include: Low Sophomore at the Wayne County Commissioners Cup; 4th place at the Selinsgrove Invitational; 5th place at the Bob Simons Classic.

As a senior, Ostrowski posted a nine hole stroke average of 42, bringing home medalist honors in three Lackawanna League matches. He also earned a spot at the District 2 Championships where he carded a 77 and finished in fifth place.

“This award couldn’t have gone to a more deserving kid,” said Paupack coach Dave Heckman, who took the varsity reins after Simons passed. “Seeing Jaymison get this scholarship is a really meaningful way to honor everything he’s put into the program.”

A multi-sport standout who also played four years of basketball, Ostrowski has been a fixture on the academic honor roll as well.

“Jaymison is an excellent young man,” boys basketball coach Kevin Miller said. “He’s a hard worker who puts his heart and soul into everything he does. I’m very proud of him.”

Jaymison is the son of Michael and Lisa Ostrowski.

His plans after graduation include serving as an apprentice at Lou Palazzi Landscaping. One day he hopes to start his own business.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Wallenpaupack Area golf Jaymison Ostrowsi Earl J. Simons Scholarship