This year, The First Tee home office added a new national participant opportunity – the USGA “Learning Science Through Golf” Academy. It’s a four-day academy this July in Far Hills, NJ that includes interactive lessons and experiments, each illuminating various Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles.
The USGA’s expertise in the areas of research, science and innovation is of growing importance and touches on every aspect of golf, including a greater understanding of the intersection between science and environmental stewardship.
Local participants between the ages of 14 to 18 and minimum of Birdie Level in The First Tee program, with a future interest in STEM, were eligible to apply for this new event.
We are thrilled to say that our very own Kennedi Whitener-Mason, Eagle Level participant from Fort Bragg, NC was one of 24 teens from across The First Tee chapter network selected to attend! She will have hands-on access to the USGA Research & Test Center, a facility that supports the research and development of solutions for the betterment of the game, and also includes the USGA’s proprietary golf club and ball testing lab.
As part of the essay portion of her application, Kennedi was asked how her future career aspirations related to this academy and what her dream job would be.
Kennedi has big dreams! While her career aspiration is to become a Large Animal Veterinarian, working with animals at a Zoo or rehabilitation hospital, her path to achievement is unique.
A rising High School Junior, Kennedi wants to study Biomedical Engineering. Through these studies, Kennedi wants to learn more about protecting the environment, and golf courses, through the use of organic fertilizers, developing vegetables that provide additional nutrients for humans and animals, when consumed during a long round of golf to provide extended stability, and to be able to engage in research studies focused on curing skin cancer.
After receiving a degree in Biomedical Engineering, she plans to apply to Veterinarian School to become a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine.
Kennedi expressed that having the opportunity to study biomedical engineering first will not only allow her to combine her passion for the game of golf and developmental research, but also aid in her care of large animals by learning how medicines are created and work in the body, how fertilizers protect the environment and what is healthier for animals, and ways to provide better nutrient rich plant crop to animals.
The timing of Kennedi’s acceptance to the STEM Academy couldn’t be better. This August our local chapter will be hosting our first ever Golf, Life and STEM Camps across the Sandhills – at Gates Four Golf & CC in Fayetteville and Pinehurst No. 6 and 9.
Kennedi is excited to be able to return from the July academy and be involved with preparing interactive experiences for our younger participants as well as feeling empowered to present information and engage in conversation on various aspects of golf and STEM.
The First Tee of the Sandhills is truly more than a sports program for youth. Through our in-school and after-school programs, we are shaping the lives of young people from all walks of life while exposing them to new experiences and platforms to grow into successful young adults.
Congratulations to Kennedi Whitener-Mason on her second national opportunity selection!
This week, Pinecrest High School Junior, Sophie Hirtle, was selected to attend The First Tee National Life Skills and Leadership Academy in East Lansing, Michigan from July 26 to August 1. Sophie will join more than 90 juniors from The First Tee, ages 14 – 17, to participate in this national event.
The Academy will provide participants valuable character education and leadership instruction through-out the week-long event. 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 on campus at Michigan State University.
We were thrilled that Sophie has been selected for her first national event. She has grown from a bubbly, enthusiastic and quick-to-action teen; to a young lady that is thorough in decision making, well versed in her presentation and emerging as a confident future leader.
As part of the application process, Sophie was asked to write an essay on a time in her life where she applied STAR, an acronym for Stop – Think – Anticipate – Respond. Sophie, an avid runner and member of the Pinecrest HS track team, reflected on a competitive experience she had earlier this spring.
Here’s how she explained her experience, “I signed up to run a 10k Road Race when I was faced with an immense decision mid-race. The week prior, my ankle was hurting for unknown reasons, but bearable. Race day had arrived, I felt confident to run on my ankle and set off from the starting line.
Two miles in, my ankle started to throb. It was extremely painful. I pushed on, denying the possibility that I would have to stop or even quit the race. Soon, the pain increased to the point that I could not run any longer.
At that moment, I had to fall back on STAR. I mentally anticipated the fact that I may have an ankle that could be seriously injured. My response was to choose my health over my pride.
I stopped the race, making the difficult, but right, decision to be cautious over my health versus pushing through to the finish. This was the first time I would have to quit a race and I was struggling with facing this reality.
With the help of fellow racers, I made my way back to the last police officer where he called an ambulance to come pick me up.
While today I’m still disappointed I didn’t get to finish the race, I know that using STAR allowed me to feel good about making the right decision to end the race early. Plus, there is always next year to compete!”
While Sophie, and other participants of The First Tee, learn life skills through the game of golf, they are able to positively apply these learned lessons into other areas of their life – for Sophie, her passion for running – enhancing skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Congratulations to Sophie Hirtle. We look forward to following up on her experience in Michigan later this year.
Recently, Courtney Jingle, a rising Senior at Pinecrest High School, was selected as one of 24 female participants, nationwide, from The First Tee chapter network to participate in the inaugural John Deere Drive Your Future Academy.
It’s a four-day academic, career and leadership development academy held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, this June. The all-girls event will also focus on remaining active in the game of golf, learning the impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.
As part of the application process, Courtney was asked to define a person that aided in driving her to take a position of leadership. And, in honor of Mother’s Day, there’s no better story than that of her relationship with Grandma Dotty.
In Courtney’s own words, here is her essay submission.
“My Grandma Dotty is without a doubt the obvious choice. Twenty two years ago my parents were introduced to Dotty Garmen while my mother was pregnant with my older sister. At the time, Dotty was a midwife who helped my mom through a very difficult labor. With my grandparents 500 miles away, and my parents going through this unique experience, Dotty quickly became an honorary member of our family.
Since then she has been included in all our family events. She has been supportive and encouraging in every aspect of my life. She truly is my grandma in every sense of the word.
Dotty worked at Moore Regional Hospital for 50 years as a Nurse and Assistant Director of the Emergency Department. In addition, she has stayed busy as an active community leader with the Elks Club and volunteering at our local chapter of The First Tee.
My initial interest in golf came from Dotty’s love for the game. For many years she urged me to get involved and as my interest in soccer decreased, I became involved in the sport. I’ll never forget the look on her face when I told her I wanted to play!
Frequently, when Dotty’s visits, we will go out to practice or play a round on the course. From our interactions, I’ve become a frequently requested member of her women’s golf group!
Dotty has been present at all of my high school matches, rain or shine. Knowing there is a big hug waiting for me at the end of the round keeps me focused and makes the challenge of the day worthwhile.
Dotty’s involvement in my life has been special. Her passion for her profession, life and community is a motivation in my life as I look to lay out my personal road map.”
On this and every Mother’s Day, we are so thankful for the grandmas, moms, and female mentors working together to positively impact the lives of young people in our community.
You’re absolutely making a difference. To each of you, Happy Mother’s Day!
Enthusiasm. Dedication. Compassion. Integrity. Perseverance. These, and many more, adjectives describe Caroline Rea on and off the golf course. While my personal experiences with Caroline only date back to February 2015, her track record with The First Tee of the Sandhills began formally in 2006. Don’t let that date fool you, Caroline has been hanging out around The First Tee since its inception, in 2003, patiently waiting to be old enough to officially join. Caroline has been actively involved in our programs as a participant, volunteer, junior leader and community advocate for almost eleven years! In addition to staying active and engaged at a high level in her curriculum programs, Caroline has provided volunteer support for projects in our administrative office, at special events and fundraisers in the community, and serving as a junior coach with our TARGET and PLAYer level programs. In 2014, she began offering her time to junior coach to the seven, eight and nine year olds on Tuesday afternoons during our Just for Girls PLAYer Program. Today, her commitment to the Just for Girls program has not wavered. First hand, I’ve seen positive interactions between Caroline and these young ladies. Moments of weakness where she provided them encouragement, moments of frustration where she taught them perseverance and moments of just silliness where they could giggle together through the activity of the day. Young girls at The First Tee look up to Caroline. Seamlessly, Caroline gives back by providing the same experience she had to the next generation of youth in our community. Her giving doesn’t stop with us. Caroline is active as a volunteer at Prancing Horse, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and area elementary schools as a Teacher’s Assistant. Caroline’s character shines when she speaks to others about her favorite core values, Honesty and Perseverance. Whether having to call a golf penalty on herself, when no one else noticed, or pulling a teacher aside to point out a miss-score on a test, resulting in a lower grade; Caroline knows that doing the right thing can be difficult, but is always worth it. She credits The First Tee for teaching her perseverance. Accepting and understanding that in order for her to be successful, she may fail a few times, but she can appreciate life’s successes and handle life’s failures all while staying resilient and focused on her goals. Just last year, Caroline decided to pursue the possibility of continuing golf at the college level. A goal that she previously didn’t feel she has the opportunity to pursue. I am happy to say that a few weeks ago, Caroline sign a letter of intent to play golf a Pfieffer University.We are so proud of Caroline Rea and know she will be a wonderful representative for The First Tee of the Sandhills. Just next time, as an Alum!
Elizabeth Nguyen spoke to group of 800 during Thursday’s Full Network Meeting
Pinehurst, NC (March 15, 2015) – Elizabeth Nguyen from The First Tee of the Sandhills was selected from candidates across the 175 chapters of The First Tee Network to attend The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit, March 11-15 in Dallas. The summit was an interactive and educational event in which participants were given the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities.
Among the dignitaries scheduled to address the 28 teenagers at the summit were President George Bush and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam.
Educational workshops during the summit covered a variety of topics including college, the importance of community service and volunteerism, financial literacy, social media and more presented by experts in these fields. During the workshops, Lizzy will develop plans for leading a meaningful service project in our community as a way to apply the skills and concepts learned at the four-day summit. Lizzy’s service project goal is to successful engage teen girls into the game of golf for a lifetime while also growing the overall female base in The First Tee of the Sandhills.
Lizzy, a sophomore at Pinecrest High school was one of twenty eight participants selected to attend the weeklong summit where she was also asked to speak during the lunch session on Thursday. For five minutes Lizzy controlled a room of 800 Directors, Board Members, Coaches and advocates speaking on ‘The impact The First Tee has had on her life and how the lessons learned from The First Tee have transferred to her life off the golf course’. She did a fabulous job delivering her story and speaking from the heart. It was a powerful message, indeed.
Nguyen was one of 28 participants selected to attend the summit based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit took place in conjunction with The First Tee Network Meeting, a biennial educational event for chapter leaders from around the country and select international locations.
The First Tee of the Sandhills Teen Selected For National Opportunity at Coca-Cola Headquarters in AtlantaCollege scholarship will be awardedCongratulations are in order for Elizabeth Nguyen, a rising Senior at Pinecrest High School. Lizzy has been selected to attend Coca-Cola America’s Future. An annual event provided by The First Tee home office that selects a mere five teens from across the country for participation. Only rising seniors are eligible to apply and selected participants are reviewed based on their school grades, involvement in their local chapter and community, as well as an essay on how they live their lives positively. Recently, I had the opportunity to play with Lizzy in the Moore County Women’s Amateur. We were paired together during the first round with a competitor that was our senior in age, but not in spirit! Prior to teeing off for our second round, she pulled me aside to express how much she enjoyed our round one pairing. She went on to say that while the golf was great, the one thing that most impressed her was Lizzy’s character. A true nod to the coaches that implement our programs and curriculum for being a positive component in Lizzy’s life. When Lizzy travels to Atlanta, she will join the other selected participants, representing Greater Sacramento, Delaware, Greater Charlotte and Atlanta, for four days where they will visit the Coca-Cola Company headquarters, attend area attractions in the heart of downtown Atlanta as well as the PGA TOUR’s TOUR Championship. In addition to their adventures, throughout the week these five participants will meet with business executives and take part in interviews to determine the winner of a $5,000 college scholarship. The four semifinalists will also be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.We are thrilled for Lizzy’s selection to Coca Cola America’s Future and look forward to cheering her on in September as she aims to bring home the $5,000 college scholarship. Here’s to a wonderful group of young people in the Sandhills!
Last week Kennedi Whitener-Mason, 15, and Alaina Malcolm, 17, joined 90 juniors from The First Tee chapters across the country in Blaine, Minnesota for the National Life Skills and Leadership Academy. Not only were they provided opportunities to develop and hone their golf skills, they were given tools to become leaders on and off the course. Upon returning home, we asked Kennedi and Alaina to provide us a behind the scenes look into their trip.Kennedi, a rising sophomore at Pine Forest High School, noted she was quickly put to the test, learning the ropes of airport travel on Day 1, spending her morning navigating flight delays and airport directional, alone for the first time. Upon arrival to Minnesota, Kennedi and Alaina were assigned roommates at the National Sports Center and color groups, as they would work in teams for the rest of the week. For a portion of each day, groups worked with The First Tee golf coaches to assess their skills, implement fun activities to aid in improvement and then enjoyed on course team challenges at the White Bear Yacht Club, a top five facility in Minnesota. Alaina, a rising senior at Robeson Early College High School, said she’s really excited to share the newly learned skills drills with fellow participants back here in the Sandhills! Eluding that they are already helping her improve. For Kennedi, the trip to the University of Minnesota was a memorable one – her color group made a wrong turn during their on campus scavenger hunt, sending them over a bridge, by foot – twice! While on campus they also had the opportunity to meet with Price Waterhouse Cooper and learn about the importance of budgeting, how to properly budget and implementation. All ninety teens also had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the golf business. This included engaging in specialized on course tutorials with Toro Company where they learned about golf course irrigation, how to cut fairways and greens, and the different types of machinery necessary to maintain a golf course facility. Local turf grass specialist put participants to the test, teaching them how to tell the difference between various strands of grass and then asking them to identify grass types from a container garden. No word yet on how many they guessed right! Their last golf tutorial stop was with the marketing division of PGA TOUR Superstore where they learned the ins and outs of marketing in golf retail. Nightly, all participants, The First Tee instructors and staff were able to come together for fun activities including Ice Skating, pick up soccer, board games and other team building activities. Aiding in the foundation of forming new relationships around the country. Overall, Alaina felt the experience to Minnesota, representing The First Tee of the Sandhills, was both humbling and a special honor. It broadened her horizons, motivated her to become a better golfer, and excited her to share what she learned with her hometown in hopes of motivating other young kids to get involved. Our teens soaked in as much knowledge as possible, made tons of new friends from across the network, and positively represented our chapter and their communities on the national stage. We are looking forward to providing these young ladies the stage to share their experiences with fellow participants, encouraging others to apply for national opportunities in the future and inspiring new faces to get involved for the first time. Cheers to a successful 2016 National Life Skills and Leadership Academy!
Annually, The First Tee home office is able to offer a variety of educational and leadership opportunities for our network of participants. These events often become life-changing experiences as participants further develop an awareness of possibilities that surround them.Many of these national opportunities have a selection process that includes a multi-part application with national committee review period and minimum baseline requirements such as age and curriculum certification level within The First Tee program. In 2015, the home office offered twelve national program opportunities plus two additional scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors. This weekend marks the final national event of the year, Auntie Anne’s Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum in Orlando, Florida where Courtney Jingle and John Rea have spent three days in an interactive environment covering career and community leadership topics and implementation tactics with 48 other participants across the network.Across the board we have had many opportunities to celebrate successes with our participants on a national level. From the 224 participants that achieved and reported A/B Honor Roll to the 6 teenage participants that were selected to represent the Sandhills through national opportunities and 4 graduates that received recognition through the national scholars program. What a wonderful representation of our youth in the Sandhills we were able to share with the country.Our ten chapter representatives included, Elizabeth Nguyen (Outstanding Participant Summit, Nature Valley First Tee Open), Caroline Rea (Par – 3 Championship, Life Skills Academy), John Rea (PLAYer Advanced Academy, Auntie Anne’s), Joshua Hirtle (Life Skills Academy), Jared Robinson (Nature Valley First Tee Open), Courtney Jingle (Auntie Anne’s), Bryan D’Ostroph (Scholars Program, Kasserian Ingera Scholarship Recipient), Bobby Capps (Scholars Program, Whitney Family Foundation Scholarship Recipient), Ben Chrystler (Scholars Program), and Alex Nguyen (Scholars Program).Being one of 175 chapters across the United States we have to pinch ourselves regularly because our participants are truly shining on the national stage. We are so proud of the accomplishments they have made in the classroom, through their goal ladders and with their abilities to carry themselves well while competing on the golf course.Credit must be given to those that have helped make these opportunities possible. The national sponsors of The First Tee who offset the cost to operate and provide these events; our local coaches, volunteers and staff who always carry the ‘never give up attitude’ and can routinely be found spending a few extra minutes encouraging a participant, reviewing their application or helping them prepare for an upcoming event; and our sponsors here in the Sandhills, they know who they are, who provide us resources and avenues to plan, execute and achieve success on many levels each and every day.I would encourage you to check in on Courtney and John as they finish up their trip to Auntie Anne’s through our online blog feature which can be found at www.firstteesandhills.org/auntieannes to hear about their experiences this weekend off the course!Soon the 2016 national participant opportunities schedule will be released and a new wave of local participants will be eligible to apply; it’s an exciting cycle and time as we watch these participants enjoy the healthy competition and experience of vying for a spot in these opportunities. In a mere 67 days we will be turning the calendar to next year – let’s let a new wave of fun begin!
Two (2) Local Teens Selected to Play in Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach
Elizabeth Nguyen and Jared Robinson head to Pebble Beach week of Sept. 21
Pinehurst, NC (July 1, 2015) – The First Tee of the Sandhills is sending Elizabeth Nguyen and Jared Robinson to compete in the 2015 Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, an official Champions Tour event that will be held September 25-27 and televised internationally on Golf Channel.
Nguyen and Robinson will join 79 other participants from The First Tee chapters for the event, which is in its 12th year.
“At Nature Valley we have great admiration for the mission of The First Tee. The program has such a meaningful impact in the lives of young people by strengthening important values like responsibility, judgement and perseverance. The opportunity for these teenagers to be selected as a part of The First Tee has the power to transform lives,” said Carla Vernón at General Mills. “The teenagers selected to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open, including Elizabeth and Jared, have worked hard to prepare for this opportunity, and we are immensely proud to welcome them to this year’s tournament.”
Our local participants were selected by a national panel of judges who evaluated playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and character education learned through their involvement with The First Tee.
Champions Tour players committed to play include last year’s Nature Valley First Tee Open winner John Cook, Charles Schwab Cup contender and World Golf Hall of Fame member Colin Montgomerie, as well as two-time U.S. Open winner Lee Janzen. Janzen claimed the pro-junior competition last year when his junior partner, Christopher Meyers from The First Tee of Tucson, holed a 4-iron from the fairway for a final-hole albatross to secure the title.
Elizabeth Nguyen, a junior at Pinecrest High School joined The First Tee of the Sandhills in 2012 but has been a part of The First Tee network since age 8, having previously attended The First Tee of Tampa Bay. Elizabeth carries a full plate as the President of French Club and Future Business Leaders of America, a member of National Honors Society, Varsity Golf Team member and currently ranked #1 in her class. Elizabeth continues to give back through her dedication to youth opportunities and initiatives as a junior volunteer with The First Tee of the Sandhills.
Jared Robinson, also a junior at Pinecrest High School, joined The First Tee of the Sandhills in 2009 after his family moved from Ohio. Jared is very involved in his school as a section lead in the marching band, a National Honors Society member and Varsity Golf Team member. Jared finds time to give back, when not working at the Country Club of North Carolina, through junior coaching with The First Tee, assisting with projects in the Chapter office and supporting our annual special events. In 2013, Jared won The First Tee National Speedgolf tournament at The Foundry Club in Richmond, Virginia.
Selected juniors will be teamed with 81 Champions Tour players and 162 amateurs as they compete for the pro-junior title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Play will be conducted on these courses on Friday and Saturday, and the final round will be played on Pebble Beach Sunday.
As one of 175 chapters within The First Tee Network, the competition for participant opportunities in very high. Locally, participants are encouraged to apply for every opportunity that they become eligible for. Not only for the opportunity to earn a spot but for the experience of applying and the emotions that must be handled throughout the process.
Executive Director, Courtney Stiles, said “Our chapter feels privileged to have received two times the good news this week. It’s a huge tap on the back to our volunteers, coaches, mentors and staff when we see participants excel on and off the course.”
“We are excited to see Jared and Elizabeth on TV this fall. We know they will represent us well. Congratulations to our coaches, volunteers and staff who have had such a positive impact on so many of our participants through the years.” said Bob Klug, Board Member and former President.
Program Director, Jamie Martin, noted that our participants are ‘on a roll’ having had double exposure at the Nature Valley First Tee Open in 2012, 2014 and now this year. “Elizabeth and Jared went into this year’s application process with an open mind. They looked at this as a great opportunity for practice and knew that being juniors meant if they did not receive a vote in 2015 they still had 2016 to reapply. They are wonderful role models and representatives for The First Tee of the Sandhills. We are so proud of their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating the experience with them later this year.”
As part of a special series called “The First Tee Wednesday”, the Golf Channel showcases The First Tee on the first Wednesday of every month during Morning Drive. This year The First Tee home office utilized the partnership to announce the 81 participants LIVE with a ‘selection show’ feel to the broadcast, releasing selected participants names based on their chapter’s region throughout the show.
During Wednesday morning’s announcement Elizabeth Nguyen was away from home attending the Future Business Leaders of America National Conference in Chicago, Illinois. How did she find out the exciting news? “My phone started ringing and on the other end was my entire family screaming with excitement and sharing a video of my name appearing on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.” “Right now it’s hard to come up with the right words to describe how much this opportunity means for my family and me… especially since my dad is home safely from his last military duty. I am ecstatic to be able to share this once in a lifetime experience with my entire family while representing The First Tee of the Sandhills and a community we love so much.”
Jared spent the early morning watching Morning Drive at home with his family. His nerves were high as our region was not unveiled until 80 minutes into the broadcast. “I almost couldn’t stand it. When our region appeared I took a final deep breath and just hoped I had gotten in… When my name flashed on the screen I was immediately overcome with excitement. All of my hard work through the application process and additional time put in at the golf course had paid off.” “I am looking forward to experiencing a very special event that I have spent many years watching on TV. Having the opportunity to meet so many wonderful golf professionals in person, hearing their stories and soaking the full experience in. I can’t wait to stand on the 18th Tee at Pebble Beach. To see the iconic golf hole in person will truly be a dream come true.”
The First Tee of the Sandhills is one of 175 chapters around the country and in select international locations. Serving the Sandhills since 2003, thousands of young people have been impacted through chapter programs and The First Tee National School Program, which is in 63 Sandhills elementary schools. The golf-based programs are focused on building character through The First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.
To learn more about The First Tee of the Sandhills, visit www.firstteesandhills.org. For more information on the 2015 Nature Valley First Tee Open, visit www.thefirstteeopen.com. For more information on Elizabeth Nguyen and Jared Robinson, to request an interview or photos, please contact Courtney Stiles, Executive Director of The First Tee of the Sandhills at [email protected] or 910.255.3035.
About The First Tee of the Sandhills
The First Tee of the Sandhills (www.firstteesandhills.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization established to positively impact the lives of young people by providing structured educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. The Chapter was formed in 2003 to bring the Life and Golf Skills Curriculum to the six (6) counties in the defined service area including, Moore, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Montgomery and Robeson. Since inception, more than 2,300 young people have been exposed to The First Tee curriculum through our registered participant opportunities. These youth are first exposed to The First Tee through the National School Program, which is currently operating in over 60 elementary schools or through outreach programs such as DRIVE and TARGET.
Media Contact:
Courtney Stiles, Executive Director
The First Tee of the Sandhills
[email protected]
910.255.3035
