Character Education Archives

Celebrating Global Diversity Month: Two Chapters Unite to Create a Global Community

Like our participants, what makes our chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. We celebrate their diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent at every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and the communities they live in. One way our chapters are doing this is by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own. Two of our chapters, First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea, have brought this to life in a meaningful new way. In 2019, the two chapters became official sister chapters in an effort for participants to share cultural experiences and explore opportunities beyond their community.

Recently, participants and coaches from the two chapters were able to meet virtually to discuss a trending topic in communities across the globe: returning to school during a pandemic. During the video call, participants shared how they’re feeling and handling the return to school. Gloria from First Tee — Korea shared, “I think I should take responsibility for myself because if I don’t follow the rules, I could put my friends and family at risk.” Through the meeting, the participants realized that they have quite a bit in common despite growing up thousands of miles apart. They’re all adjusting to the “new normal,” and are leaning on the character strengths they’ve developed through First Tee to help conquer these challenges.

Bob Baderian, Executive Director for First Tee — Greater Pasadena, summed up the experience: “This very positive partnership between First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives and provides opportunities to educate them about the culture and history of their respective countries and communities. These meetings have resulted in increased knowledge and appreciation of cultures and lifestyles between our two chapters.” Founded in 2006, First Tee — Greater Pasadena has served more than 200,000 kids and teens. First Tee — Korea was founded in conjunction with the 2015 Presidents Cup and is one of six international chapters within the First Tee network. The sister chapters have a goal to one day provide an in-person experience for their participants to meet. This pandemic, among other challenges this year, has been more than we could have ever anticipated. It’s stories like these, of coming together to learn, appreciate, and build relationships, that inspire us as we work to empower youth to be game-changers and make this a better world.

TruGreen Supports First Tee College Scholarship Program, Opening Doors to the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders

Program to provide educational opportunities for the youth of First Tee looking to integrate their passions into science-based careers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (October 13, 2020) – TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, and First Tee, a youth development organization using golf as a catalyst for personal growth, today announced a new partnership supporting the expansion of the First Tee College Scholarship Program to include alumni pursuing careers in agronomy, plant science and other science-based professions.

With TruGreen as a Trustee, this program expansion will provide First Tee alumni with valuable opportunities to incorporate their learnings and leadership development into a career in the sciences. First Tee College Scholarship Program pairs First Tee alumni with dedicated, trained adult mentors who help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. TruGreen associates will serve as mentors and contribute to professional development and educational sessions, helping to share industry knowledge and science-based expertise with the students. The program also provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year for four years, and scholars will receive assistance with internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation.

“At TruGreen, we’re committed to our mission to Live Life Outside through the local expertise we offer our customers along with our contributions to local communities,” said John Cowles, President & CEO of TruGreen. “Our partnership with First Tee allows us to support deserving students across the country as they pursue their dreams of higher education while sharing our love of the outdoors with the next generation of leaders.”

At the end of September, TruGreen previewed its commitment to First Tee with an $80,000 donation to First Tee — Greater Philadelphia to support their Drive for the Future Initiative. With this contribution, the John F. Byrne Golf Club will be transformed into an innovative outdoor classroom, serving as the heart of First Tee’s educational and character development programs in northeast Philadelphia.

“Pursuing a college degree is both competitive and challenging for today’s graduating high school students,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We’re grateful for TruGreen’s commitment to young adults through our First Tee College Scholarship Program. Through this meaningful partnership, we will be able to support additional First Tee alumni through their college experience while leveraging the vast resources of TruGreen and its dedicated employees.”

First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

Applications will open to First Tee students in early 2021. For more information on First Tee or the First Tee College Scholarship Program, visit firsttee.org.

For more information about TruGreen, visit trugreen.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Participant Aaron Hall-King Overcomes Daily Challenges with Support of Mentors and Programs at First Tee — Metropolitan New York

USGA grant helps First Tee chapters keep programs running during the pandemic

Aaron Hall-King, a New Rochelle native, was attending Albert Leonard Middle School this past March when it became the first school in New York to close due to COVID-19. His mother Kira gave him words to live by.

“The school building may be closed, but the learning continues.”

Kira was the first to reach out when First Tee — Metropolitan New York announced online learning and tutoring. First Tee has become a comfort zone for Aaron, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs additional help with instructions. Aaron enrolled in First Tee Life Skills and Education programs in 2014 when he was in the second grade. Since that time, program director, Karen Les Pierre shares that his grades and organizational skills have improved dramatically. Karen didn’t miss a beat when First Tee’s campuses were closed due to the virus and immediately tutored Aaron utilizing FaceTime. “I love First Tee, because they have great programs for the kids,” says Aaron’s mom, Kira. “Aaron will take individual lessons in the fall. He has really matured with First Tee. If it wasn’t for [First Tee], I don’t know where we would be.” Aaron is one of many participants reached by the chapter’s virtual programs which were supported in part by a recent USGA grant . So far, they have delivered more than 200 hours of virtual tutoring this year. In addition, hundreds of hours are being spent online and, on the phone, helping participants navigate the college and high school application process through the Path to College program. They also offered Summer STEM online, a six-week program focused on the sciences, computer programming and literacy.

First Tee — Metropolitan New York is one of 51 First Tee chapters to receive a grant from the USGA towards their ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. In addition to the $200,000 that went to chapter grants, the association pledged $125,000 to help First Tee headquarters develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds. Learn more about our character building programs and how you can get involved.

Jakari Harris embodies values and lessons from First Tee to help support fellow student athletes

This time of year, many college students are preparing to head to their school and prepare for the upcoming school year. But this year looks different, especially for many student-athletes like Jakari Harris. Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, some universities have made the difficult decision to cut programs from the athletic department. This can be devastating for students who are also losing their scholarships, which means they are now paying for their education. First Tee – Metro Atlanta alum, Jakari Harris, is doing something about it. A graduate of Hampton University and a former member of the golf team, Jakari was disheartened to learn that the golf team’s funding had been cut upon her graduation. She and a few other teammates have since started a funding effort to help those who are affected.

“Because of First Tee, I was able to play collegiate golf and would like that opportunity to be available to athletes at Hampton again.”

Jakari’s act of service is directly rooted in the values she learned while a participant at First Tee – Metro Atlanta. We asked her a few questions about her experience, and this is what she had to say. After being exposed to the game of golf at a young age, my dad started looking for golf programs around our neighborhood. The first chapter I joined was First Tee – Atlanta, but I switched to First Tee – East Lake once I transferred to Charles R. Drew Charter School. The home course was right across from the school, so I could just walk over after classes and practice almost every day.

First Tee emphasizes the fact that participants not only learn golf skills, but also life skills. A lot of the values I hold near and dear to my heart are the very values that were taught in First Tee classes. My personal favorites were integrity and perseverance. Aside from life skills I learned, I also gained a family with First Tee. All of the coaches at my home chapter were extremely supportive to me on and off the course. They went above and beyond, and I consider many of them as my mentors. First Tee camps always presented me with both new experiences and challenges. I soaked in all the instruction I could from every drill and practice session. Whenever I faced a challenge, I referred back to what I was taught earlier and tried to apply it. When I wasn’t successful, I could always ask one of the coaches for help. This is the same way I take on the new experiences and challenges in life. I take the experience for what it is and try to learn as much as I can. Then, I look at the challenges from every angle possible. Because of First Tee, I have no problem asking for help and learning from my mistakes. One of my First Tee mentors is Coach Brittny Lott, and I actually still keep in contact with her regularly. She actually does my hair from time to time. Her love for the Lord pushes me to develop a better relationship with God. She was very patient and encouraging when I first met her. Because of my competitiveness, I would sometimes be too hard on myself when I didn’t perform well during competition. She would give me encouraging words and talk me down. I called her after one of my tournaments in college when I shot a terrible score. I just kept saying “I don’t know why I keep doing this. I know I can do better than this.” She brought up a very good point that will always be in the back of my mind. Things happen in golf that you can’t control. Even professionals have their off days. Instead of reacting to what I scored on the last hole, I can choose to not give up and do my very best from then on. If you can walk away knowing you did your best, that’s all you can ask for.

“My biggest takeaway from First Tee is that family doesn’t have to be blood.”

First Tee coaches have had one of the biggest impacts on my life. They care about each and every participant. Even when I would go to a First Tee camp where I didn’t know anyone, the coaches made me feel so welcome and at home. The relationships I have formed through this organization are priceless. Looking forward, I eventually want to become a professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After graduating in STEM from an HBCU, I know that there are very good students there who just need better resources. I was able to end up where I am because of resources I came across and relationships I developed. I am now in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Georgia Tech and Emory University. First Tee taught me how to network and keep in contact with the people you meet. Sometimes it’s more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. The core values I learned will help me through grad school and beyond. If you wish to help support Jakari and her fellow Hampton Golf Alumni in their efforts to off-set the lost scholarships and bring the golf program back, visit their GoFundMe page.

Memphis senior participates in Congaree Global Golf Initiative

By Sara Wright, PGA TOUR

Ben Nganga was introduced to golf through the First Tee of Tennessee in Memphis when he was just 10 years old. (Courtesy of Nganga) — Ben Nganga was introduced to golf through the First Tee of Tennessee in Memphis when he was just 10 years old.

As students teeter on the brink of returning to school for the fall, many are still unsure of what these next few months will look like. But for one Memphis high school senior, the next steps were made just a bit clearer this summer. Ben Nganga, a student-athlete at White Station High School, recently participated in the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, which provides a unique collegiate preparatory curriculum tailored towards high school students in the U.S. and abroad. Behind this program is The Congaree Foundation, which was established to provide resources for educational and vocational mentorship opportunities to help shape the lives of underserved and ambitious youths who share a passion for golf. For Ben, who was introduced to golf through the First Tee of Tennessee in Memphis when he was just 10 years old, the term ‘ambitious’ barely scratches the surface. After trying football, basketball cross country and track, the young Nganga ultimately had to make the decision to focus on one sport – and it was then, at the age of 15, that he chose golf and fully immersed himself into the sport. “It gave [me] a lot of independence because I actually have to work by myself,” he said of his decision. “It’s individualized. How good you are isn’t based on other players. It’s based on yourself.” Ben went on to become the captain of his high school golf team, won the 2018 Memphis Publinks golf tournament and qualified for state in 2019. He also continues to give back to the program that started it all, serving as an assistant coach to the younger participants of his local First Tee chapter.

“First Tee prepared me for my future endeavors by instilling in me the core values that are essential to being successful and showing me how to be a leader whether it is on the golf course or at school,” Ben explained. But it’s not just on the golf course where he excelled. In the classroom, he continued to demonstrate a commitment to his education by maintaining a 4.4 GPA; and in his community, Ben has been a volunteer at the St. Jude Hospital. It’s because of his excellence on and off the golf course, that Ben was selected to participate in the Congaree program. In previous years, participants had been invited to the private Congaree Golf Club during the summer months to work with educators, guidance counselors and golf instructors. They spend a portion of time working on the students’ golf game, but mostly, they focus on the preparation for the college admissions process, assistance in obtaining academic and athletic scholarships and providing them general skills that will help with success in life. Unfortunately, this was not a normal year. Instead of spending two weeks in June on the 3,000-acre Davant Plantation in the South Carolina low country, the program was just one week and purely virtual. But, as Ben is quick to point out, the program was still incredibly beneficial, nonetheless. “At first I was not really familiar with the Congaree Foundation,” Ben admits. “But as I took part in the program, I realized the outstanding reach and the great things it does for students preparing for college and playing golf at the collegiate level.” With hopes of attending Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., Ben wishes to study biology in a pre-medical track, in addition, to playing golf. “Up until now, the college prep process had been difficult due to the lack of mentors,” he said. “That is one thing that the Congaree Foundation has helped me with. I was able to communicate with people who had experience in these fields and ask any questions I had about the process. “Through this program,” Ben added, “I learned so much more about important steps I need to take during the application season this fall. I learned the importance of organization and time management, which is vital because there are so many things that must be done in both the classroom and on the golf course. This process has been invaluable.”

Story also featured at PGATOUR.com here.

Nathan Dryer, 18, donates Make-A-Wish to First Tee-Northern Michigan

By Sara Wright, PGA TOUR

Story also featured at PGATOUR.com here.

Integrity, responsibility and judgement are just a few of the character strengths that the First Tee aims to instill in its participants through the game of golf. And, for Nathan Dryer, a former participant and current assistant coach with the First Tee – Northern Michigan, he intends to pass along a few more – courage, generosity and selflessness. Nathan first started participating in the First Tee program at the age of 13, when he attended its advanced camp in Harbor Springs, Mich. He took to the program immediately and along with increasing his golf skills, he remembers being even more impressed with the amount of respect and courtesy the coaches showed him and how that increased his confidence and self-esteem. The experience led him to want to give back and eventually become an assistant coach with the local First Tee chapter. However, life would throw him a curveball along the way. In February 2018, at the age of 16, Nathan was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease — is a cancer of the lymphatic system, an integral part of your immune system. Thankfully, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery and, although it is rare to be found in males so young, Nathan and his family were optimistic and started treatment immediately. By June of that same year, Nathan was cancer free and coaching at First Tee throughout the summer. “It’s not really a job for me,” Nathan said. “I love doing it.” And that’s why when Nathan was referred to his local Make-A-Wish Foundation in Michigan, his wish wasn’t to go on a dream vacation or meet his favorite athlete or celebrity, it was to give back to a program that has meant so much to him. “I wish to go, I wish to have, I wish to meet, I wish to be, or I wish to give,” said Make-A-Wish Michigan’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, Christy Schulte. ” Nathan chose to give.” Wishes to give normally fall in the smallest subset of wishes the Make-A-Wish program grants every year. But give they did. In fact, Nathan asked to give $5,000 to the First Tee – Northern Michigan to offset the lack of fundraising events the local chapter was able to host this year due to COVID-19. “I saw so many kids change and grow in the First Tee program, and to me, there’s nothing better than that feeling,” Nathan said. “I’m happy to be doing this.” Nathan’s selflessness and desire to give back are a testament to those around him, and has become fundamental in how he approaches most everything. As he enters his senior year in high school, he plans on joining the Air Force after graduation and serving his community and country in an even bigger way. His family, friends and First Tee – Northern Michigan couldn’t be prouder. “I have watched him develop and grow in terms of his character, his confidence, his willingness to take responsibility and his generosity,” said Nathan’s mother Aimee. “I am really proud.” The program director of the First Tee – Northern Michigan, Logan Paquet, agrees, adding, “He has represented the First Tee in such a humble and gracious way. It is truly outstanding.” If you feel compelled to support First Tee programming, please donate online here at https://firsttee.org/donate/.

Making an impact beyond the golf course

Oftentimes we find ourselves evaluating our level of success by what our job title is or how big our last paycheck was. Maybe even by our golf handicap or what we scored in last week’s tournament. But when you look at the people around you and you think about what truly matters most in this world, you’ll come to find that being successful isn’t measured by how many eagles and birdies you make, but by how you positively affect those around you. What impact are you making? Last week, nine First Tee alumni teed it up at World Golf Village for the APGA Tour’s latest stop including five players alone from First Tee – Tampa Bay: Norman Black, Sam Davis, Evin Jenkins, Travis Wells and Joseph Dent, son of former PGA TOUR professional Jim Dent. For many, playing in a professional tournament like this is a stepping stone for reaching a dream of playing on the PGA TOUR. It’s a goal – a dream, even. It certainly is a testament of the hard work and dedication that these players have achieved. But when you meet these amazing young men, you’ll find that it’s true – success extends far beyond the golf course. And what matters more to them is who they are as individuals and the impact they’re making on other people.

Joseph Dent, 20

“I learned from First Tee to have priorities and to always have a plan. I believe more young people need mentors who can guide them in the right direction. My biggest takeaway from First Tee is learning to give back and help others.”

Evin Jenkins, 21

“First Tee has taught me many life lessons and skills and how to use them in everyday life, both business and personally. My biggest take away is learning to become a man of integrity because that’s what golf stands for.”

Travis Wells, 21

“I want to be the voice that is able to inspire people to believe, devote and fight for themselves in every aspect of life. First Tee has equipped me to take on new challenges by pushing me to set goals for myself in golf and in life.”

Norman Black, 23

“I’ve always had a [First Tee] coach who was there to encourage me and give me an extra boost of confidence when I faced a situation that I didn’t think that I could overcome.” They are successful, and not just because they’re competing and pursuing a golf career at the professional level. They’re giving back to their communities and chapters, instilling in their peers the same values they learned at First Tee – resilience, self-confidence and good judgment. With these skills, they are leaving their mark on the world. Take it from Ian Baxter, the executive director of First Tee’s Tampa Bay chapter. “The best thing about working for First Tee is watching our participants shine. That success comes in many forms – school, home life, maturity, being a good person, living a happy life and more. I am proud of the golf success that these alumni are achieving. But I am more proud of how each of them has grown into fine young men who embody First Tee.” We need more Josephs, Evins and Travises in our world, and at First Tee, we’ll continue to help kids and teens uncover their self-confidence so they, too, can succeed in whatever goals they pursue.

How First Tee’s Valuable Lessons Helped Dr. Amber Hardeman realize her dreams

Dr. Amber Hardeman started with First Tee of Dallas in 2005. (Courtesy of Hardeman) — Dr. Amber Hardeman started with First Tee of Dallas in 2005.

By Sara Wright, Guest blogger, PGA TOUR Dr. Amber Hardeman is an inspiration. Not only does she have an incredible work ethic and multiple degrees, including a B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama, a MBA from Tulane’s Freeman School of Business and a Doctor of Medicine from Tulane School of Medicine, all of which she earned before the age of 30, but Amber has made it her life’s mission to serve the underprivileged with her career in medicine. And in the midst of everything that this country is currently experiencing – the civil unrest, the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis – this personal aspiration, to work tirelessly on the front lines to decrease the disease’s burden on the minority population, is proving ever more important. “It’s tough and humbling to work so hard while feeling I have not mastered anything,” Hardeman said in a recent interview with Forbes. “I entered medicine to help minimize disparities and inequality in healthcare. COVID-19 has proven to affect an incredibly disproportionate number of African Americans due to a multitude of factors, including racism, socioeconomic disadvantage, barriers to access and higher rates of co-morbid health conditions. Regardless, no matter how difficult things have been, I am very grateful for the journey.” Her journey can be, in large part, traced back to her time with First Tee. Little did she know, when she started with First Tee of Dallas in 2005, the program would significantly transform her life. She gained dozens of opportunities and progressed into a great golfer, but more importantly, she says, it was through First Tee, she also learned to be an excellent person. Each new opportunity affirmed fundamentals she learned from the program, ranging from communication skills to goal setting to how to keep calm in stressful situations.

“It was after being named ‘Most Outstanding Female Golfer’ and ‘Most Outstanding Female Leader’ in my chapter, that I was truly reassured that I wanted to use my skills to positively impact other people,” Dr. Hardeman said. “The confidence I gained in First Tee has helped me make changes in my local community as well as worldwide. I developed a passion for service and helping others. Not only did I do community service trips in Europe, but also completed medical missions in South America. As a current physician, I still strive to use the tools I learned in First Tee to meaningfully contribute to my patients and community. “When I think of First Tee, I think of character development and life connections,” she continued. “First Tee has meant more to me than I ever thought possible. As I progressed through different skill levels from Par to Ace, my immediate and future goals simultaneously took form. One of the first things we learned was how to set and achieve reachable goals. I’ve been doing that ever since 2005 and plan to continue doing so throughout my career. A career that has led Dr. Hardeman to her position as a resident physician in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics at Tulane School of Medicine and entering what she describes as a ‘battle zone’ in New Orleans. As a bilingual African American woman, she breaks through the language and cultural barriers to help treat the patients and not ‘just’ the disease. She does her best to ameliorate pain, suffering and disease for her patients and aspires to decrease disease burden on the minority population.

“A worldwide pandemic isn’t something anyone can fully prepare for,” she said. “Yet, one of my biggest take-aways from the program was to learn to accept the uncontrollable. I can’t count how many times situations occur in golf that are unpredictable or incredibly difficult. Progressing through medical school and becoming a doctor is quite similar. I learned patience, respect, problem solving, and how to maintain focus. Above all, I learned to never stop learning. First Tee taught me that there is always room for improvement. I always strive for excellence. “Because of my experiences,” she added, “I know that no matter what you are doing in life you can always be better, you can always continue to work and grow to become the best version of yourself possible.” Now, if that isn’t a message worth spreading, I don’t know what is.

Featured on the PGA TOUR: View Amber’s Story on PGATOUR.com

Sara Diaz is Changing the Way the PGA TOUR Relates to its Multicultural Fan Base

By Sara Wright, Guest blogger, PGA TOUR When the First Tee of Greater San Antonio first put clubs in the hands of the Diaz family about 15 years ago, there was no way to predict just how much the game would impact the family’s life. Sara, the eldest of three children, her brother Adolfo, the middle sibling, and the youngest, Elsa, all learned to play golf with their dad through the program, but in the case of the Diaz siblings, their time with First Tee provided so much more. While Sara was born in the U.S., she and her family moved to her mother’s native Mexico to grow up learning Spanish. About a decade later, the family returned to the U.S., with Sara, Adolfo and Elsa then needing to re-learn English. That’s where the First Tee program came in, allowing the siblings to not just learn the sport of golf, but perhaps more importantly to practice their English in a fun and supportive environment. Of course, Sara learned a lot more than that during her time in the First Tee program. She also learned important character development, goal setting, fundraising techniques, public speaking, essay writing and confidence to travel on her own. When Sara qualified in 2008 for the prestigious Wal-Mart First Tee Open in Pebble Beach, the program’s top national opportunity, she was extremely lucky to have been paired with the legendary Tom Watson. If that wasn’t exciting enough, she was featured on the Golf Channel during the tournament and was awarded the Oroweat Healthy Minds Scholarship during a surprise press conference. She recalls that week as ‘truly unbelievable.’

In 2010, Sara was selected to be a junior reporter at the WGC-CA Championship in Doral, FL, where she worked for the first time inside of the PGA TOUR’s media center. Later in the fall, she was chosen to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando for a Future Leaders Forum. That same year, she was given another incredible opportunity to participate in a commercial with the great Jack Nicklaus for the Royal Bank of Scotland in Jupiter, FL., where she snuck in a putting lesson from the greatest golfer of all time.

After she graduated from the First Tee program as the first participant in the San Antonio chapter to complete the Ace-level certification, her opportunities with golf continued. Initially recruited to play golf at Texas A&M-Commerce, Sara progressed to the University of Richmond Division I program where she was offered a full scholarship for her Master’s degree and the opportunity compete alongside her younger sister in 2014. Needless to say, the Diaz sisters had a blast playing together – albeit for just a year – on the same team.

In 2017, she was asked to return as an alumnus to her favorite place, Pebble Beach, and share her experiences as a speaker for The First Tee Pure Insurance Legends and Leaders Dinner alongside Condoleezza Rice and Leon Panetta. Even though Sara knew this sport would always play a huge part in her life, what she didn’t realize at the time, was that all of these experiences were preparing her for this current role at the PGA TOUR, where she now manages their multicultural marketing strategy. Hired in March 2019, she excels in positioning the TOUR brand in unexpected places and has helped produce and distribute content through a variety of different channels allowing golf to be portrayed in a new light to a larger demographic. Sara helped in the success of the TOUR’s recently-launched Spanish Instagram page, @pgatouresp, where she hosted the eSeries Video Game Challenge in Spanish to show the behind-the-scenes of what goes on during the recording and reveal the personalities of our players in a casual setting. Sara also had a huge part in adding to the new PGA TOUR and First Tee’s co-sponsored site, Links to Learning. With her help, this site, which was established shortly after schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide golf-centric educational material into homes, added a section for youth to learn Spanish and additionally, she worked with a team to translate the whole site to Spanish – https://www.pgatour.com/academia.html. Most recently, Sara also had the honor of interviewing the Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, Jay Monahan and Harold Varner III on the return to golf and the current social injustice in our country. Check it out here: https://www.pgatour.com/video/2020/06/05/a-thoughtful-conversation-with-commissioner-monahan-and-varner-i.html “Because of golf, I have met wonderful people from all walks of life and have opened my eyes to different lifestyles and perspectives,” she said. “I feel extremely lucky and appreciative of all the experiences the sport has provided me. I have been honored to help create awareness, address misconceptions and curate the onsite tournament experience so people from all ages, races and backgrounds can feel welcome and enjoy the sport that has been such a big part of my life. My goal is to have multicultural initiatives interwoven into everything we do at the PGA TOUR,” Sara added. “I’m very excited for the future of this organization and how we can continue to connect with ALL of our fans!”

Celebrating Freedom: Join us in observing Juneteenth

Today we celebrate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. This holiday honors the history and culture of African Americans and celebrates freedom granted through the Emancipation Proclamation. Celebrating diversity and learning from others’ perspectives provides an amazing opportunity for growth. As we continue with our goal to actively create a place at First Tee where every individual belongs, we encourage you to learn about this day with your family. Here are a few resources to kick-start the conversation with your kids and teens and teach them the importance of Juneteenth: What is Juneteenth? All about the Holidays PBS video 25 books for kids and adults to celebrate Juneteenth Talking about Race Teaching Juneteenth

A Generational Reset: Our Youth Shine Through Times of Darkness

By Jasmin Cunningham and Andrew J. Masterson We as an organization have spent the last several days taking in the news and unfolding events happening around the country. It is truly disturbing and heartbreaking. Although disheartened, we are proud to work for an organization that is actively discussing how we can play a role in changing social injustices and better support our youth. First Tee was created two decades ago to give kids access to golf who may have never had an interest or ability, and provide a space that makes them feel comfortable and accepted within their surroundings. In the process, they began learning life skills and building their inner-strength, confidence and resilience. The words of our CEO, Greg McLaughlin, were a reminder of this. – “Our character is a compass, and it is the source of our words, thoughts and actions. Strong character stands against injustice.” We are working on becoming more encouraging and uplifting during this time, but first and foremost, the best thing we can do right now is listen. When societal change is needed, it is best to look to the stewards of our future, our participants and alumni. These young people are aware of the injustices and inequalities within our society. They refuse to turn a blind eye. They use their voices, platforms, lived experiences and actions to facilitate change, stand with one another and loudly and unapologetically condemn acts of racism and social injustice in our nation. We challenged our youth to provide one word that describes their character and guiding light during this time of darkness. By listening to their perspective, we can all learn to examine our own conscience and open our minds and hearts to those around us.

Rayshon J. Payton | Alumnus, First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City

Legislative Director at U.S. House of Representatives – Kendra Horn Confident “We are at a pivotal point in our nation where difficult and uncomfortable conversations regarding the experiences of so many of our fellow Americans is the only pathway forward. I am confident as we work to form a more perfect union we will emerge stronger, more unified than ever, with our compass needle pointed solidly towards compassion, equality and justice for those hurting so much. Racism and hate have no place in our society.”

Najae Butler | Alumna, First Tee – Metro Atlanta

Junior at Fairleigh Dickinson University Perseverance “Perseverance has always been an important part of my character and it still is today. As an African American female, I’ve come across numerous issues within my life based upon my race and gender, but I did not let that stop me from achieving my goals of becoming a Division I athlete and starting my own photography business. Having those instances in my life has helped me during this challenging time because it taught me to keep fighting and believing in what’s important to me. I have joined a leadership group at my university, Fairleigh Dickinson University, to enlighten the community of what’s occurring and proposing solutions. Adversity will occur for many people, but it’s how you respond that’s important. Do not be discouraged because you may have failed at something or it has not gone the way you planned, but be motivated and have the drive to accomplish what you want; and that goes for anything in life.”

Shahbaz Hashmi | Alumnus, First Tee – Greater San Antonio

Sophomore at the University of Indiana Presence “There are times where humanity finds itself at a crossroads. An ultimatum. A fork in the road. As a nation, we have inched closer and closer to a tipping point for generations, and our collective pain over the past few days has seemingly brought us to that threshold. As young people, and as leaders, we have a unique opportunity to seize this moment and to be agents of change – change that will transcend generations. Make your presence felt in this world in order to be the change you wish to see. Seek solace in your presence. Maintain presence of mind, but more importantly, maintain presence of heart. Live your life through a lens of respect and integrity. Be what you want this world to be, and the world will follow suit.”

Ben Spitz | Alumnus, First Tee – Western New York

Sophomore at California University of Pennsylvania Family “The unrest across our nation has more than anything reminded me of the importance of family. I grew up with a black sister and a paralyzed father, but it took me years to realize that people saw our family as different. It never mattered to me and my siblings whether my dad was able-bodied or not; we loved him without batting an eye. The same went for my adopted sister. Family represents love, respect and support regardless of our skin color or what we look like. One of us gets hurt and we all have their back. As a white male, I can’t pretend to understand what black Americans go through on a daily basis, but I do stand with you. As family. Today, our family needs us all more than ever.”

Savannah Mansueti | Alumna, First Tee – Palm Beaches

Freshman at the University of Florida Resilient “Social injustice and systemic racism have been issues in America since the beginning. People of color have been subjected to this treatment for too long, and change is long overdue. I chose “resilient” as my word to not only describe me but also the brave protestors who are fighting for equality. To me, giving up is not an option. And for a lot of these protestors, giving up means losing their life or complying with the never-ending cycle of violence. The powerful videos and photos coming out of the protests show the resilience of the black community. Our generation is the generation of change. If you would like to help, Donate! Sign Petitions! Educate Yourselves! Educate Others! WE WILL BE THE GENERATIONAL RESET!”

Mombo Ngu | Alumna, First Tee – North Florida

Freshman at the University of Florida Resilient “I strongly believe that I must be resilient during times like this in our country. Being resilient does not mean I am ignorant or indiﬀerent to the news going on. Resilient means I am able to keep standing and pushing forward no matter the situation. I will do whatever I can, to be an impact wherever I can, even when I am looked down by others and face opposition. Lives have been lost and my heart breaks every time, especially for the families that have lost a son, daughter, father or mother. No matter what stands before me, my need to be resilient reminds me that I must push for change and have my voice heard. I can breathe and I am alive.”

Logan Lurie | Alumna, First Tee – Howard County

Rising freshman at the University of Maryland Empathy “One word that I would use to describe my character and has also guided me during this time of darkness is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand the experiences and feelings of another person without having experienced them in your own life. I know I will never be able to understand what it feels like to be judged by the color of my skin, but I can help make a difference by listening to and truly hearing the experiences of others who fight racism every day of their lives. Through these tough times, I have been reminded of the importance of reaching out to my friends who are hurting to simply hear their feelings as well as educating myself about the racial inequalities that are present in our country. It can be difficult to know the differences that we as individuals can make in regards to such a widespread issue, but being empathetic towards others is the best way to do my part. I believe that if every person is kinder and more empathetic to those around them, the world will become a better place.”

Alexa Vela | First Tee – Greater Houston

Rising Junior at Pearland High School Hope “Be the change you wish to see in the world,’ a phrase held by countless individuals who have had a positive impact on the world around us and more than ever contains a great amount of relevance. Even in such trying times, I have clung onto the power of hope as a result of the knowledge that many, including myself, are willing to dedicate themselves to the well-being of others. In addition to this, I recognize how fortunate I have been able to grow up within an organization as First Tee that is founded upon the significance of celebrating diversity. As a result, throughout my life I have been given the opportunity to learn as well as lead alongside many people from varying backgrounds whether racial, religious or cultural in which many have been influential in shaping who I am. This has encouraged me to advocate for the justice of my African American, Latino, Asian as well as many more of my peers through the ways in which I choose to live and use my voice within my school, community and chapter. During recent events, I have seen the ways in which many young people throughout the country are beginning to do the same by becoming accepting of others as well as promoting the exchange of thoughts, beliefs and opinions regardless of social, economic or political status. This allowed me to be hopeful for the future leaders within my school, community as well as the nation who are choosing to be the change in a time where it is easy to feel helpless. All of which have led me to a single conclusion: We must choose to love and not hate for what is, but hope for what could be.”

Our Character Is A Compass

Statement from First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin on the Social Injustice Surrounding George Floyd’s Death.

“Society bears the marks of prejudice and injustice, even today. The events over the last week are disturbing and heartbreaking on so many levels. I wish we could shield today’s young people from it, and yet, it’s all around them. As a community of caring adults who come together in support of the next generation, it’s our responsibility to ensure kids build the confidence to find their voice, their footing, and stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard. Our character is a compass, and it is the source of our words, thoughts and actions. Strong character stands against injustice. As we grieve the events happening around us, we have to lead the next generation to higher ground.” – Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee

Category: Character Education