Category: Participant Spotlight

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!  

January 22 Spotlight: Allison Robinson

Allison Robinson has been actively attending The First Tee of the Sandhills since 2014, following in the footsteps of her older sister and brother. She is in 10th grade via a home school program where she is active in the National Honors Society. When studying, her favorite subject is American History! We sat down for a Quick 9 with Allison. Here’s what we found out! Hole 1: Nickname? Yes! Alli or Allig Hole 2: Any pets? Yes! I have a Shih Tzu Yorkie named Gracie and a Jack Russell mix named Mollie. Hole 3: Favorite hobby? Crafting Hole 4: Sports other than golf? Bowling. I am a part of a bowling league that has local competitions and my team has qualified for statewide events. Hole 5: Dream Job? A Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Marketing OR work for the Walt Disney Company! Hole 6: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I love to do things with friends outside of school, and I personally love when we do special non-golfing events like bowling. Hole 7: What is your Five (5) Year Goal Plan? My plan is to finish high school with honors, choose the college that best fits my profession and educational standards and continues to further my business. Hole 8: Who is your hero? My hero would be Walt Disney, he took his passion and made it into a successful business that is recognized worldwide. Hole 9: Tell us something about you that people may not know. When I was 14, I started my own business. I saw a great opportunity and went for it! So now, after 2 ½ years of making Disney themed ears, I’ve had almost 500 sales and I have a growing platform on Instagram for marketing with over 11K followers. Check it out at @itsaearworldafterall Thanks for taking a Quick 9 with us, Allison. Have a question for Allison? Leave it here!

‘Amazing Week’: Kenzel Competes At PURE Insurance Championship

The final words from Jaclyn Kenzel’s week at The PURE Insurance Championship in Pebble Beach, California were, “I can’t emphasize enough how much this trip has meant to me! It has been the most amazing week of my life and I will never forget it! I’m beyond thrilled to have had this opportunity! I have not only gained friends but created memories that will last a lifetime!” So, now that you know the conclusion, how did she get there? Let’s take a look at the highlight reel! The entire week included a long list of firsts – from flying across the country, staying in private housing, eating an omelet, playing golf in fog, paddle boarding, seeing new wilderness, and attending a concert! On Day 1 all the participants gathered at Poppy Hills GC for the PURE Welcome Party and Pairings release. Each junior went onto the putting green to find an oversized flag adorning their name and chapter they are representing. Underneath the flag was a brand new golf bag with their name on it and inside the bag they found the name of their pro. For Jaclyn, it was Brian Henninger. Mr. Henninger immediately came up to Jaclyn for introduction and a chat. She was beaming from ear to ear about the week getting started! Day 2 brought Jaclyn’s first practice round – at Poppy Hills GC with fellow junior participant, Vivian Guite from The First Tee of Naples. The highlight of their day on course included sharing the fairways with deer and ‘bumping’ into Bernard Langer. Wednesday evening participants attended a very special event called ‘Legends and Leaders’ where nine special guest spoke on the Nine Core Values, each highlighting a unique Core Value that carries special interest in their lives. While every guest had an amazing and inspiring story to tell – the two that resonated with Jaclyn the most were from Jeremy Poincenot and Victoria Arlen – speaking on Perseverance and Confidence. Oh, and she ‘bummed’ into Tom Watson at dinner! Thursday was Day 3, bringing many more special experiences for Kenzel. Not only did she get to play Pebble Beach Golf Links, she played with the 2016 tournament winner, Paul Broadhurst, who her Pinecrest High School golf teammate, Mara Hirtle, played with in 2017! When Kenzel reflected on the experience, she remembered how incredible the undulation changes were, both beautiful and challenging to play. She determined it’s completely impossible to become upset when you’re surrounded by the visual art Pebble Beach Golf Links provides. At the turn, she decided to apply good Judgment and began ‘clubbing up’ as her shots were coming up 10 yards shorter than they typically do in Pinehurst. This gave her some putts for birdie, resulting in made birdies on Holes 11 and 17! Also, while practicing on the 12th green, Paul Broadhurst pulled Jaclyn aside and gave her a few chipping pointers to work on when she gets home. Double score for the day! During the first and second rounds of the PURE Insurance Championship, Kenzel and Henninger would play Poppy Hills GC and Pebble Beach GL, each day with a different pair of amateur partners. Kenzel’s personal golf highlights including make a birdie on Hole 18 at BOTH courses! How cool! While #TeamHenninger didn’t make the Pro-Junior cut, it was truly an experience of a lifetime both on and off the course. And to cap off a week of excitement, as all the juniors were gathered around the 18th green of Pebble Beach GL watching the final groups come in, they witnessed Ken Tanigawa make a bomb of an eagle putt to win the tournament by one! What an ending to a dream week for Jaclyn Kenzel.