Two Teens Headed to Life Skills & Leadership Academy

Merriam Webster defines achievement as to reach a goal; a result of hard work; the state or condition of having achieved or accomplished something. Today, we are able to toast to the latest achievement. One many years in the making. We’ll look back on Wednesday, May 18, 2016, as a day in history when two local teens were selected to attend The First Tee National Life Skills and Leadership Academy. While The First Tee of the Sandhills participants have been selected previously to attend the Life Skills and Leadership Academy, each special in their own way, this summer will have an asterisk in the record book. This summer two young ladies are helping break down barriers, ignite new interest and expand opportunities in their perspective communities. These young ladies don’t have Moore County addresses. They live in Ft. Bragg and Pembroke, respectively. Kennedi Whitener-Mason, 15, is a high school freshman at Pine Forest High School, resides in Ft. Bragg, NC. Kennedi joined The First Tee of the Sandhills in 2009 through exposure to the Life Skills Curriculum during a pilot program at Stryker Golf Course – then a partnership between The First Tee of the Sandhills and the Department of Defense – being offered exclusively to these families through a military grant. While this exclusive program has since concluded, our offerings at Stryker Golf Course and in Fayetteville at Baywood Golf Club have continued and are offered to members of the community, of all backgrounds. Kennedi is a very busy young lady, spending time as a 2nd Element Leader with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps, Volunteering her time at Sea Turtle Camps, an active member of the Future Farmers of America, 4H Club and the NC Junior Fair Board – all while being the MVP on her High School Golf Team. While she carries a quiet demeanor initially, Kennedi is a driven, light hearted and fun teenager that is ready to tackle her big dreams and goals for success in high school and beyond. Kennedi was thrilled to receive the call of achievement from our office this week. When asked how it feels to not only be selected but to be the first to represent her community on the national level, Kennedi responded in saying, “I’m so excited to be selected to attend and equally excited to represent Ft. Bragg, NC while in Minnesota this summer. I’m looking forward to learning about how to be a more effective leader and to apply what I learn at the academy to my activities both on and off the golf course when I return. This will be one of the top 3 highlights of 2016 for me!” Alaina Malcolm, 17, is a junior at Robeson Early College High School and resides in Pembroke, NC. Alaina first joined The First Tee of the Sandhills in the summer of 2011, when programs kicked off at Pine Crest Country Club, in Lumberton. Alaina participated in The First Tee’s PLAYer and Par curriculum locally in Lumberton through 2014. In 2015 she passed assessments to move onto the Birdie Level program, a curriculum currently only offered in Pinehurst. Her commitment to the commute has paid off. We’ve enjoyed getting to know Alaina, see her blossom as a confident young lady, up and coming golfer and future leader – allowing her the opportunity to become eligible for national opportunities provided by The First Tee home office. Alaina stays busy as the treasurer of the Native American Student Association (NASA), a member of the Go Green Club, and volunteer with the Robeson County Teen Court – all while commuting to Purnell Swett High School where she competes on the varsity golf team, as her high school does not offer golf. While Alaina’s dad couldn’t contain his excitement for his daughter’s selection, he wanted to ensure she heard it directly from us, as well. Putting her on the phone to officially hear the news! Alaina’s delight was evident through the phone as she expressed gratitude and enthusiasm for what was to come. When asked to express her personal reaction to this achievement, Alaina reflected in saying, “I’m still struggling to express how grateful I am to join participants from all over the country to further develop my leadership skills while participating in a game that I have truly come to love since becoming a part of The First Tee of the Sandhills.” She went on to say, “As the first national selectee from Robeson County, I want to express my genuine thanks to the volunteers and friends of The First Tee of the Sandhills that made this opportunity possible for me. I’m especially thankful that they have made a commitment to my home county to expose the youth in our community to the Nine Core Values that are transferable to life in general. I’m hopeful that I’m the first of many from Robeson County to benefit from this, and many other, experiences.” Kennedi and Alaina’s experience at the Life Skills and Leadership Academy will take place in Blaine, Minnesota from July 6 to July 12. They will join more than 90 youth from across the country at this national event, providing participants valuable character education and leadership instruction, encouraging them to develop and hone skills to become leaders in our local chapter, school and community while experiencing championship golf, career exploration and dorm living. This week’s news in encouraging to our continued efforts within the communities of our chapter service area where The First Tee curriculum is beginning to gain strength and grow new interest. We look forward to seeing what Kennedi and Alaina bring back from Minnesota this summer and how we can collectively increase our achievements in their home town communities. Cheers to a new milestone at The First Tee of the Sandhills!