The First Tee: Hirtle Attends Leadership Academy

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.