Category: Participant Spotlight

Recently, Mara Hirtle, a rising junior at Pinecrest High School, joined 95 other teens from around the country at The Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy hosted on campus at Michigan State University. 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 event, participants had 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. We asked Mara to provide us a few highlights from her week at Michigan State University. When reflecting, she said, “Not only was it an enlightening experience as we worked through what it means to be a leader, while also succeeding as a team, our event leaders made sure to include all 96 of us in fun activities like mini golf and bowling on campus.” She noted that one of their leadership seminars was led by RISE, Michigan State University’s Residential Initiatives on the Study of the Environment. Mara said the leaders inspired The First Tee Teens to reach for their goals which others may believe are unreachable, or impossible. RISE’s learning outcomes for those engaging in their year round program include the ability to form an opinion, demonstrate leadership, enact social change, value collaboration, describe strengths, and engage in sustainability work – essentially growing a community of learners committed to stewardship and sustainability. After arriving home, Mara expressed that the week long experience was inspiring! It build her up as an individual and encouraged her to strive for things she thought were unreachable before. Returning rejuvenated to take on personal goals. Way to go, Mara! 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. Ready to get involved in The First Tee? Make sure to sign up for one of our Fall Programs in the Sandhills before registration closes. Visit firstteesandhills.org or call us at 910.255.3035.

As Mark Twain once said, ‘plan for the future, because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.’ Planning for the future is one of the six Core Lesson’s focused on through Eagle Level Curriculum programs at The First Tee of the Sandhills. During this portion of the curriculum, participants are engaged in self-exploration, academic and career exploration, and implementation. Throughout these exercises, we work to expose the high school age participants to various aspects of development including diversity, finances, scheduling and futures opportunities across many industries. Thanks to the support of Methodist University, Eagle Level participants were able to spend a full day on campus where they learned about the admissions process, financial planning for college, what the Professional Golf Management program is and career doors it can open up after college, as well as touring the facilities and getting to play at little golf at the on campus course. Here’s a little glimpse into their day on campus. Jamie Legg, the Dean of Admissions, spoke about GPA, SAT, and ACT scoring – explaining what the University looks for in student performance. He stressed the importance of making good grades throughout High School and how they weight GPA above ACT & SAT. Why? Because it shows which students put work in daily to succeed! Mr. Legg also discussed the finances of attending college and in turn how to prepare to apply for scholarships and financial aid. Next up was Kyle Fera, the PGM Program recruiter. Kyle spoke about the expansion of the golf industry and the vast variety of career opportunities that continue to develop, how these careers are becoming more specialized and the importance of aligning your career interests with internships throughout college. As part of the Professional Golf Management program, college students are required to complete a minimum of four internships. Kyle shared a map of all the locations across the United States that Methodist PGM students have completed internships over the last seven years and the variety of exposure opportunities that were apart of these assignments. PGM students can plug into learning opportunities that range from facility management and operations, teaching, club fitting, tournament operations, youth programs, and much more! After lunch, Brock White, PGM Director, gave participants a tour of the University’s golf facility. In addition to the outdoor golf amenities, Methodist University has built indoor hitting bays, a putting lab and club fitting studio. All aspects of the industry that students will be engaged in to learn how to be successful in the future. The on campus experience at Methodist University provided participants an opportunity for both college and career exploration. As a follow up to this hands on experience, participants then utilized tools provided in their Eagle Curriculum Yardage Books to complete self-assessments on their interests, personality, skills and values – aiding in the process of determining the right campus and career fit, as well as next steps for future planning. Thanks to the Methodist University staff, our local participants left engaged, excited and enthusiastic about their next steps.

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!

The First Tee of the Sandhills Teen Selected For National Opportunity at Coca-Cola Headquarters in Atlanta College scholarship will be awarded Congratulations 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!