The First Tee Recognizes Outstanding Contributors to the Organization During Biennial Network Meeting
Orlando, Fla. (November 13, 2017) – The First Tee recognized many outstanding contributors to the organization during its 20th anniversary Network Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Nov. 8-11. Founder’s Award recipients included: Johnson & Johnson, The First Tee Legacy Partner; Golf Channel, The First Tee Proud Media Partner; World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam; AJGA; America’s Promise Alliance; Lana Peterson, advocate for The First Tee National School Program; and Wes Butterfield, committee member for The First Tee’s Scholars Program. Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. from The First Tee of Silicon Valley and Ted May from The First Tee of Connecticut were honored with the Jack Stephens Leadership Award for their outstanding service, leadership and commitment to the organization’s mission.
Billy Brent a volunteer with The First Tee of Northwest Florida received the George H.W. Bush/Shell Oil Company “Volunteer of the Year” award for his outstanding volunteerism and contributions. Brent has been an avid volunteer for the chapter for 14 years.
The First Tee of Greater New Orleans and The First Tee of Fort Worth were both recognized for their efforts in diversity and inclusion. They were both awarded the Barbara A. Douglas – Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award for their efforts.
New this year is the James W. McGlothlin Community Transformation Award. Three chapters, The First Tee of Greater Houston, The First Tee of Central Coast, and The First Tee of Benton Harbor, were recognized for reshaping their communities for the better through their fulfillment of The First Tee mission.
The First Tee 2017 Network Meeting was held at Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate Nov. 8-11. The event included record-setting attendance from The First Tee’s network with more than 1,000 on-site. The event featured several keynote speakers, educational breakouts and best practice-sharing networking sessions. The event concluded on Saturday night, Nov. 11, with a Gala Dinner emceed by Golf Channel personalities Todd Lewis and Lauren Thompson.
Concurrent to the meeting was The First Tee Outstanding Participant Leadership Summit, which brought 28 teenage participants in for three days of leadership and character education sessions. At the Gala Dinner, Gerry Jones, Jr. from The First Tee of Hampton Roads and Meghna Mazumdar from The First Tee of Connecticut each received $20,000 scholarships from Shell Oil Company, The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner. Six other teenagers each received $2,500 scholarships.
“The First Tee would not be where it is today without many incredible and dedicated leaders serving the organization, chapters and young people in communities,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee. “It is a privilege to recognize these individuals on behalf of The First Tee.”
For more information about The First Tee, visit firsttee.org. About The First Tee The First Tee (firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. ** PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST ** Contact: Sara Henika (904) 881-7398 [email protected]