Category: Participant Spotlight

June 25 Participant Spotlight: Greyson Lowen

He’s a ‘lefty’ full of enthusiasm and big dreams! As he is just getting into golf, he looks to continually improve his skills as he’s hoping to compete and win some tournaments, in the future.  I, Mason Scott (aka. Summer Intern), had the opportunity to speak with Greyson about golf, life and even some out of this world! (Literally!!) career dreams. Check out our Quick 9 below to learn more!  Hole 1: Do you have a nickname? Yes, actually a few. At golf I am called G-Money which is my favorite nickname. Coach John (Wainwright at Longleaf Golf Club) gave me that nickname. Hole 2: When did you first get into golf? I started playing last year! Hole 3: What is your favorite Core Value? I like Sportsmanship. I just like being nice to people after we play and making friends.  Hole 4: Favorite First Tee Activity? I really liked hitting the rubber ducks out of the bunker, and singing I Believe I Can Fly as they flew through the air. (He informed me he’s very confident out of the bunker, but still working on those tricky shots out of wet sand.) Hole 5: Favorite Activity when you’re not playing golf? I really like to play Roblox. You can talk with friends, make new ones and also build things, sometimes. The game has over 100 million players. (His dad, Brian, made it clear that Greyson would play Roblox 24/7 if they let him!)  Hole 6: Do you have a favorite golf course, of the ones you have played? I would say Blackwolf Run Golf Club in Wisconsin was one of my favorites. I also got to play a few holes at Whistling Straits! It was really cold and windy. (The picture shows just how many layers he had to wear!) Hole 7: If you could live or travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Probably Australia. I really like how they talk over there, and how they say “mate” after everything.  Hole 8: If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would have all of the powers. I would use them to help people around the world. Hole 9: What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an astronaut! I actually want to be the first person to go to Mars. I am really fascinated with space and have over 30 episodes of How the Universe Works recorded. The Martian is my favorite movie and I have watched it a bunch of times.

June 11 Participant Spotlight: Aubriana Bishop

Ambitious is the perfect word to describe Aubriana Bishop, better knowing as Aubri. She sets her goals high and works hard to reach them, successfully. And, she’s moving her way up the ladder at Union Pines High School. A 16 yr old rising Senior, she is already learning what it takes to be a great leader.  Aubri was accepted to travel to Idaho this summer to attend the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. Check out the event press release here.  We sat talked with Aubri for a quick 9 and this is what we found! Hole 1: How did you get into golf?  It’s actually a funny story! I played tennis my freshman year of High School and, if we’re being honest, I was not the best player, so I ended up getting pressured off of the team. One day a previous coach mentioned golf to me and suggested I give it a shot. So, I did and I am glad I did because I love golf now! Hole 2: What is your favorite golf course? I love to play at Knollwood Golf Course! It may be a 9 Hole Course, but it’s my favorite to go play at! Hole 3: What do you want to do when you get older? I want to do something with Genomic science, or genetic engineering. (Macey, our interviewer responded: When she told me this I was amazed and could only respond with “wow you must be so smart” and she came back with the best answer “No I’m just more ambitious.”) Hole 4: What is a fun fact about you? I have a twin brother. I’ve had a best friend since birth! Also, I love to make sculptures. It is fun to make and then hand them out to my friends and family. It is a very relaxing process for me. Hole 5: Favorite Core Value from The First Tee? What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? My favorite Core Value has to be Confidence. Freshman year of high school my confidence was extremely low. The First Tee helped me grow as a person and as a golfer and it also made me gain a lot of trust in myself while building my confidence. At The First Tee I love all of my coaches and all of the people I am surrounded by. They help make me better by offering their different opinions that could help and they all just work well together. I have met so many great people throughout The First Tee. I am glad to have made some great friends along the way. Hole 6: What is your favorite hobby? I love Art – it is my outlet!  Hole 7: Do you plan to take your game to the next level? College plans? If possible, yes! I am wanting to start off by playing at a junior college in the area and then when I transfer to a University, have the opportunity to continue playing. If I don’t get to keep playing while I am in school, I plan to always play for fun! Hole 8 : If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I would probably pick California! I have been there once before and the people there were so crazy but they were also so cool. I loved it there and would love to go back! Hole 9 : Are you excited for your National Opportunity? How did you get this? What do you get to do while you are there? Yes!! I am so excited for this opportunity! My coach Matthew had encouraged me to sign up for it. This was the only option that I could have done because of my busy schedule and it sounded so cool. So I went through a long but and not too hard process and finally got accepted for it! I was so happy! We are going to get to golf a lot, and hopefully get to go to the zoo also! We are staying in the university dorms and the zoo is right across the street so my fingers are crossed for that. We will be going through seminars and hands on experiences to learn great leadership skills!  

Two Teens Selected for The First Tee’s Life Skills & Leadership Academy

Jaclyn Kenzel, a rising senior at Pinecrest High School, and Aubriana Bishop, a rising senior at Union Pines High School, will join 94 other teens from around the country at The Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy hosted on campus at Boise State University from July 24 to 30. Annually, this week-long Academy provides participants golf and leadership instruction that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values while enhancing skills that will help teens on and off the golf course. During the academy, participants will have the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities while experiencing championship golf, career exploration and dorm living. This will be Kenzel’s third National Participant Opportunity, having been selected in 2018 for the National Par 3 Championship and the PURE Insurance Championship. Once she received acceptance, Kenzel expressed she was, “extremely excited for another wonderful First Tee adventure!” Through previous National Opportunities she has been able to form close friendships and she can’t wait to see a few familiar faces while making new friends in a part of the country she has never traveled to. Kenzel continued by saying, “I am grateful for my First Tee community in helping me achieve my goals.” This will be Bishop’s first National Participant Opportunity, having joined The First Tee in the Fall of 2016 via our PLAYer for Teens program, Aubriana has worked hard to move through PLAYer and Par Level programs and access to Birdie last fall, becoming eligible for application to National Events. Aubriana credits her experiences at The First Tee for her new found Confidence. The Confidence her TFTS Coaches helped her gain through making on course golf improvements has translated off the course, making her more willing to try new activities like skateboarding and sculpting! It’s helped her carry on a personal mantra – I Can! To apply for the Life Skills & Leadership Academy, participants must have reached, at a minimum, Birdie Level status in The First Tee, complete a school and community activities chart, answer four questions in essay format, provide a letter of recommendation from a mentor, teacher or school administrator, and receive recommendation from The First Tee of the Sandhills. As with all National Participant Opportunities, selected participants enjoy the trip free of charge. Elementary age or teen – it’s always the right time to get involved in The First Tee. Make sure to sign up for one of our Week Long Summer Camps in the Sandhills. Visit firstteesandhills.org or call us at 910.255.3035.

May 28 Spotlight: Owen Baker

Have you ever met a kid that is always smiling? If not, go introduce yourself to our participant of the week Owen Baker.
 
Owen is courteous to others, always caught doing the right thing, and quietly competitive. He’s already competed in 2 golf tournaments this year, and is getting geared up to play several TYGA Tots Events this summer.
 
Owen is a yellow belt in karate at Goshin Dojo in Seven Lakes and is an excellent student at West End Elementary School.
 
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Owen. Here what we found out! Hole 1: Do you have a Nickname? Yes, O! Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I’ve been in The First Tee for two years and my favorite thing is playing the activities the coaches set up for class. Hole 3: Tell Us about your tournament golf experience! I played in my first tournament at seven years old and have now played in 9 tournaments! Hole 4: What do you like most about tournament golf? That it tests your abilities. Hole 5: Is there a favorite golf course you’ve played? Yes! The Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC). Because, my sister and I won our PGA Jr. League match there. The greens are really fast and smooth. Hole 6: What’s your favorite hobby? Watching TABS videos. (Ok, we Google’d this and Google says TABS is an Acronym for Totally Accurate Battle Simulator. Hopefully it’s right!) Hole 7: Do you have a dream career? Yes, I want to be a YouTuber. Hole 8: Tell us something fun people don’t know about you. I’ve lived in The Philippines and Chicago. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Well, I really like our home here in 7 Lakes.

May 14 Spotlight: Addison Bidoli

Have you ever met someone who never leaves the golf course, or at least that’s how it feels? If  not, this young lady will be your first introduction.
 
Addison Bidoli, a Par Level Participant, and 4th Grader at E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary in Fayetteville, seems to enjoy everything about the golf course! She loves the competition, the fun, the friends, and the challenge of improving. Four years into attending programs at The First Tee of the Sandhills, it shows!
 
While she enjoys The First Tee, Addison has also gotten involved in Junior Tournaments, Drive Chip & Putt, and PGA Junior League. Addison is an example of how a young adult who has gotten ‘the golf bug’ can use multiple avenues within the sport to improve her skills, meet new friends, and foster her love for the game.
 
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Addison. Here what we found out!
 
Hole 1: Do you have a nickname? Yes! Addy.
Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I like that you don’t just practice golf every week. We work on Integrity, and other Core Values, to help us on and off the golf course.
 
Hole 3: What is your favorite hobby? Golf and Drawing.
 
Hole 4: How old were you when you played in your first golf tournament? And how many have you played in to date? I was 9 Years Old at my first tournament and I’ve played in about 15, now! (Addison is 10 years old!)
 
Hole 5: Do you have a favorite golf course? Yes! Gates Four Golf & CC.
 
Hole 6: Do you have a dream career? I would love to compete as a golfer or be a Zoologist!
 
Hole 7: Who is your hero? My dog, Ted, was. He passed away last year and had been there my whole life.
Hole 8: Tell us something fun people don’t know about you? I participated in the Battle of the Books this year and placed 1st in the first competition and 4th in the second.
 
Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? The Great Smokey Mountains. In a cabin with a lake nearby.
 

April 30 Spotlight: The Park Brothers

For our last Month of the Military Child Family, we bring you the Park Brothers. This trio is one of our most dedicated and active families we have. While the boys are all very respectful, willing to learn, and show tremendous sportsmanship, their personalities are about as different as you could get! We hope you enjoy reading about them.
Samuel, or Sam, (Pictured Middle) is the oldest of the group. He is a Sophomore at Union Pines High School and a Birdie Level Participant. Sam not only participates in curriculum classes on Saturday, but volunteers his time with the Par Class that takes place immediately before his class.
Daniel, or Dan, (Pictured Left) is the middle child, and is currently in 8th Grade at New Century Middle School and is also a Birdie Level Participant. Dan also swims competitively and loves participating in anything that is a competition.
David, or Big D, (Pictured Right attempting to be taller), is in 4th Grade at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary and is a Par Level Participant. While David does really well hitting a golf ball, he is a baseball enthusiast that brings all of his baseball tendencies to his golf swing!
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Samuel, Daniel and David. Here what we found out!
Hole 1: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee?
Samuel: My favorite thing about The First Tee, is that it not only teaches you golf skills, but it also teaches you Life Skills.
David: Aiming Practice
Hole 2: What is your favorite hobby?
Samuel: I love to play baseball. Daniel: All team games that involve teams and other people (team sports) David: Baseball Hole 3: What is your favorite thing about growing up in a military family? Samuel: Meeting new people and going to new places Daniel: My favorite this is seeing new places and people David: Get to travel to different places. Hole 4: What was your favorite place you’ve lived? Samuel: My favorite place that I lived was Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas Daniel: Ft. Leavenworth, KS David: Korea Hole 5: What sports do you like other than golf? Samuel: Swimming and running, and used to play baseball Daniel: I also swim competitively David: Basketball and Baseball Hole 6: What is your dream job? Samuel: To be a dentist Daniel: I do not have a dream job yet, but I hope in high school I’ll find one. David: Major League Baseball Star Hole 7: Who is your hero? Samuel: My dad Daniel: My dad because he’s taught me how to prepare for the future. David: My Dad, he sacrifices in war to save people Hole 8: What is your favorite thing about your siblings? Samuel: They’re also active, so we tend to play outside by playing sports such as baseball Daniel: How jokingly we act to each other. David: The play monopoly with me. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Samuel:  If I were to live anywhere in the world it would still be the US, because there is no other country in the world that gives us the right to live freely Daniel: I would want to live in Europe where there is lots of wildlife. David: Nigeria, I would like to explore and meet other people, and have lots of fun!

April 16 Spotlight: Olivia & Andrew Graham

To continue our spotlight on Military Families, we bring you two (2) of the most social kids we have in programs. They not only have never met a participant they couldn’t talk to, they actively recruit their friends to join them at The First Tee. Olivia and Andrew Graham first exposure to The First Tee was during a Summer STEM Camp at Gates Four Golf and CC. Since then they’ve participated in every session – two years’ worth – show up with smiles on their faces, and are always ready to have fun. When asked their favorite thing about attending programs at The First Tee, Olivia is quick to say she loves the coaches and getting to play with their friends, like her brother, Andrew. The Graham Children, Olivia now in 3rd grade and Andrew 2nd grade, have lived in five (5) different states, meaning they’ve had five (5) chances to make new friends and share their fun-loving personalities.
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Olivia and Andrew. Here’s what we found out… What is your favorite hobby? Olivia: Art Andrew: Putting rocks in my rock tumbler What is your favorite thing about growing up in a military family? Olivia: We have friends in lots of states we can visit Andrew: Moving to new houses and states What sports do you like other than golf? Olivia: Basketball and gymnastics Andrew: Basketball and soccer What is your dream job? Olivia: Veterinarian Andrew: To be an artist Who is your hero? Why? Olivia: My dad.  He helps people by being in the Army. Andrew: My dad What is your favorite thing about your sibling? Olivia: He’s fun to play with and always happy Andrew: She’s really funny and makes me laugh Tell us something fun about you people do not know? Olivia: I have lived in 5 states Andrew: I’m a wolf scout with cub scouts If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Olivia: Hawaii Andrew: Washington, so we could be by our family

April 2 Spotlight: Caleb & Caison Coleman

Caison and Caleb Coleman joined our TFTS family in the Summer of 2018 – making a move from The First Tee of Louisville. While only in Kindergarten and 2nd grade, respectively, the boys have moved several times in their young lives, and they’ve perfected the art of Meeting and Greeting as they were quick to be the first to introduce themselves on the first day of class – including a nice handshake!
These two young gentlemen enjoy having FUN and can be counted on for a good joke before warm-up activities each week. Individually they are able to display Perseverance while always act with Integrity.
When not on the golf course with their older brother, they’re playing soccer or supporting their sister at a volleyball game.
This busy family is always on the move but is happy to have a second home at The First Tee. We sat down for a Quick 9 with Caleb and Caison. Here’s what we found out…
Hole 1: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? Caleb: That we learn about one thing like Respect and then we execute that topic on the Driving Range, Chipping Green and Putting Green. Caison: I like hitting Full Swing shots! Hole 2: What is your favorite hobby? Caleb: I love playing soccer with my friends at recess. Caison: Playing outside. Hole 3: What is your favorite thing about growing up in a military family? Caleb: I like that we get to watch my dad jump out of airplanes. Caison: I like to watch my dad parachute. Hole 4: What sports do you like other than golf?  Caleb: Soccer, Football, Baseball Caison: Football Hole 5: What is your dream job? Caleb: Engineer Caison: Firefighter Hole 6: Who is your hero? Caleb: My older brother Christian. He is strong! Caison: Daddy. He is strong and protects me! Hole 7: What is the favorite thing about your sibling? Caleb: That they play with me. Caison: That they are my best brothers. Hole 8: Tell us something fun about you that people do not know. Caleb: My favorite food is RICE. Caison: I am a good hitter! (in baseball) Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Caleb: Myrtle Beach, SC, because I was born there Caison: Myrtle Beach, SC  

March 19 Spotlight: Tv’yrian Praylo

Respect, Courtesy, and Sportsmanship all come to mind when Tv’yrian Praylo is mentioned. A 5th Grader at Southern Pines Elementary – every time he speaks to someone, “Yes, Sir” or, “Yes, Ma’am,” are most certain to follow. Tv’yrian somehow finds time to squeeze golf into his schedule that includes, baseball, basketball, and football. More importantly, he manages to excel in the classroom and complete his homework before heading to any of these events. Tv’yrian can also be found at every one of our donor events, chatting away with any adult he can find. He has taken the Life Skills of Meeting and Greeting people and used it to help him become a social butterfly, even though he is naturally quiet and reserved! We sat down for a Quick 9 with Tv’yrian. Here’s what we found out! Hole 1: How many years have you been involved with The First Tee? This is my fourth year. I joined The First Tee in 2016 when I was in 2nd Grade. Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about attending The First Tee? Definitely meeting new friends! A bonus is the coaches are always nice!! Hole 3: What is your favorite subject or class at school? Math! I can do math really fast and usually in my head. I’m in AIG Math Class. It’s really exciting. Hole 4: Who is your hero? Why? All of my teachers. They really are helping me in the world! Hole 5: Do you have any pets? What kind? What are their names? I have a goldfish and a Dog named King. Hole 6: What is your favorite hobby? Sports are my hobbies! In addition to golf, I love playing Baseball, Basketball, and Football. Hole 7: What is your dream job? Does playing football count as a job? (Coach Matt responds, “If they get paid, it’s a job.”) …  Tv’yrian “Then I want to be in the NFL.” Hole 8: Tell us something fun about you people do not know? I think I have a really good personality. If someone needs help, I will help them. If someone is alone, I ask them if they want to be my friend. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Arizona. My uncle lives there and it’s really beautiful.

March 5 Spotlight: Georgia Chivers

Georgia Chivers, aka Blu, is a 5th Grader at Irwin Intermediate School in Fort Bragg, NC. She is a year into her participation with The First Tee of the Sandhills programs at Stryker Golf Course and has officially gotten ‘the bug.’
 
The golfing bug, that is.
 
At the age of 11, Georgia has lived in six (6) states and attended five (5) different schools – but seems to have found footing in Fort Bragg where she is already running a neighborhood dog walking business, and understands that the game of golf could lead her to getting a college scholarship. She seems to already have The First Tee Life Skill of Planning for the Future figured out.
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Georgia. Here’s what else we found out!
Hole 1: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee, so far? I am LOVING learning how to play golf!

Hole 2: What is your favorite hobby?
 Art, Golf and Making $$$

Hole 3: What is your favorite subject/class/club at school? The two M’s… Music and Math.

Hole 4: What sports do you like other than golf? Soccer and Football.

Hole 5: What is your dream job? To be an architect!

Hole 6: Who is your hero and why? My Mom and Dad. They sacrifice everything for me.

Hole 7: Do you have any pets? Yes! I have a Newfoundland named Torque, is is about to turn 2!

Hole 8: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Germany.

Hole 9: Tell us something fun about you people do not know? I want to learn to play the flute now that I’ve mastered the recorder. I belong to the Junior Beta Club at my school. I am hoping my passion for Golf will help me get a scholarship to college when I am older!

February 19 Spotlight: Sam Nail

Samuel Nail aka. Sam is an Eagle Level Participant in The First Tee of the Sandhills and a Senior at Union Pines High School. Leading up to Sam’s senior year, he chose to forego applying for The First Tee’s National Opportunities in favor of summer school.
Yes, summer school!
But not what your thinking – Sam was accepted to attend Governor’s School of North Carolina! A six-week overnight program integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses.
He lives by the Healthy Habits of School and Community, is highly successful in the classroom and always finds time to volunteer at our Life Skills Curriculum Programs.
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Sam. Here’s what else we found out! Hole 1: How many years have you been involved with the First Tee? This is my sixth year participating in The First Tee. Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? My favorite thing about The First Tee is not only getting to play golf with friends and making lifelong connections with other participants but also getting to give back to the community through community service projects that The First Tee has participated in whether it be teaching younger kiddos in TFTS classess, serving food to local members of the community during the holidays, or helping build a house for a Habitat for Humanity home build. Hole 3: What is your favorite subject/class/club at school? Math Hole 4: What sports do you like other than golf? Basketball, Tennis, Baseball. Frisbee Golf.  Really any sport that I can play with friends.
Hole 5: What is your dream job? An Aerospace Engineer for SpaceX Hole 6: Who is your hero? Why? Elon Musk is my hero. Not only is he one of the pioneers for space travel and colonizing Mars but he is also trying to solve real-world problems, especially transportation issues. He is the CEO of Tesla, where he makes electric cars, but he is also helping to design and build rapid-transportation tunnels in big cities to reduce traffic. Hole 7: Do you have any pets? What kind? What are their names? I have two dogs. One of them is a white German Shepherd named Edel (short for Edelweiss) and the other is a spotted shelter dog (unknown breed) named Yogi. Hole 8: Tell us something fun about you people might not know? I used to live in Kansas City, Kansas for 12 years and I am the youngest of five children in my family with two older brothers and two older sisters. I also just made it into my #1 choice school, NC State’s Engineering College. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I would live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. My family used to vacation there when we lived in Kansas City and I fell in love with that city. The mountains are by far my favorite and I love snow so that is the place for me.  

February 5 Spotlight: Carmen Monge

Carmen Monge, a 4th Grader at New Century International Elementary in Fayetteville has been attending The First Tee of the Sandhills for a year and a half via our programs at Gates Four Golf & CC. When asked to reflect on The First Tee, her answer is short and sweet: I LOVE IT! It’s not often you can mention words like patient, coach-able, and determined when discussing someone of her age, but these are the words we use to describe Carmen from our experiences during Curriculum Programs. However, after learning more about her in preparation for our latest Participant Spotlight, we’d add humble and intriguing to the list. Carmen is another great example of the incredible kids that participate in The First Tee of the Sandhills. We sat down for a Quick 9 with Carmen. Here’s what we found out!   Hole 1: What’s your favorite school day activities? Science! It’s cool learning about rocks and minerals.  I also enjoy Beta Club and Science Olympiad. Hole 2: Favorite Hobby? Scrap booking, art, playing with my dog, and collecting rocks. Hole 3: What sports do you like other than golf? Baseball, Football and Basketball. Hole 4: What’s your favorite thing about The First Tee? I love going to the Driving Range because I love to see when I improve on my golf swing. Hole 5: Do you have any pets? What kind? What are their names? I have a dog and a cat. The dog’s name is Rocky, he is a miniature Dachshund which is German for Badger Dog. The cat’s name is Sonny, he is a Turkish Van, he has some gray fur on the top of his head. They both like to wrestle a lot!  Hole 6: What is your dream job? Being a Veterinarian. Helping animals is my passion.  Hole 7: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I would live in France because I love to eat all kinds of bread and the sights are so beautiful. Hole 8: Tell us something fun about you people may not know. I speak Mandarin Chinese very well.  Hole 9: We know you’re only 10, but, do you have a hero? Yes! The Jackson 5. Their music inspires me to be creative!