juliebdo, Author at First Tee - Silicon Valley

The First Tee’s Arthi Chandra To Attend John Deere Drive Your Future Academy

Arthi Chandra from The First Tee of Silicon Valley has been selected to attend the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga., June 25–29. Chandra is one of 24 girls from The First Tee chapter network selected to participate in the four-day academic, career and leadership development academy. 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. Arthi Chandra, 16, is currently a sophomore in high school, but taking all of her classes at West Valley Community College. She also volunteers for the Society of Women Engineers at UC Berkeley, which encourages young girls to pursue their interests in the STEM field. She is a Senator in the West Valley Student Government, and has been invited to be a part of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society two years in a row for outstanding performance in academics and community service.

The First Tee has been an integral part of my life for the past nine years, and through it, I have developed the confidence and perseverance that has helped define who I am today. I have gained lifelong friends and a solid Go-To Team consisting of coaches and participants. Throughout all the difficult and joyful moments in my life, I remember to use the Nine Core Values and Life Skills I have learned to reach my fullest potential. I am thankful for all the opportunities The First Tee has provided me, and I hope to make my coaches proud. Arthi Chandra

We are so proud of Arthi for her drive to have a successful career. This opportunity will help her get started with experiences that build her up as a leader and team player. She will be an asset to all the other participants who attend. George Maxe, Executive Director, The First Tee of Silicon Valley

Chandra was selected for the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy through a national application process. Applicants who met the participation criteria were reviewed by a national committee who scored the applications based on essays, involvement with The First Tee and other extra-curricular, as well as letters of recommendation.

Alumni Succeeding As Student Athletes

We are so proud of our alumni, Michelle Xie, Nancy Xu, and Anna Zhou, who are playing collegiate golf. They all compete in The Ivy League, part of NCAA Division 1 Womens Golf. Michelle and Anna are on the women’s team at Harvard and Nancy Xu is on the women’s team at Columbia. The Ivy League Womens Championship was played at the Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, New Jersey on April 20-22. Michelle finished first, Nancy finished tied for 7^th and Anna finished 22^nd. The Ivy League Womens Championship included teams from Harvard, Yale, Brown, Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, Princeton & Columbia. Princeton will represent the league at the Women’s Regional to be played May 7-9 at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

I am very impressed with the performance of three of our alumni at the 2018 Ivy League Championship. Kudos to Michelle for her first individual tournament win, Nancy for finishing out her senior season on such a high note, and Anna for a great comeback and a great year. I am increasingly proud of these ladies for both their golf achievements and their overall character, as they continue to embody The First Tee values. Congratulations to Anna, Michelle and Nancy!

Molly Springmann, LPGA T&CP Class A Teaching Professional & The First Tee Recognized Coach

The Ivy Championship is always such a great tournament to compete in, and I’m so honored to have had the opportunity to do so for the third time this year at Metedeconk. I wouldn’t have played so well without the support of my coaches and teammates, who all motivate me and keep me focused on reaching my goals. The core value of perseverance and the confidence I gained from the First Tee of Silicon Valley still help me in big moments like the playoff my team faced against Princeton and in smaller ones every day. Michelle Xie

Michelle and Anna were junior assistants when we started the program at Palo Alto. They were unbelievable to work with and did a great job with the kids. Their commitment to service went far beyond just doing it for the hours, their enthusiasm was inspiring and the key to the success of the new program at Palo Alto. Scot Hathaway, PGA, General Manager of Los Lagos Golf Course

Development Director Judy Dixon Accepted as Member of Rotary Club of San Jose

The Rotary Club of San Jose inducted The First Tee of Silicon Valley Development Director, Judy Dixon, during the April new member induction ceremony (bulletin here). Judy’s sponsor and husband, Nate Deaton, General Manager of 95.3 KRTY, introduced her to the club membership. Judy thanked the club for their vote of confidence to be an active member and serve the community. She announced that she has already joined the Golf Committee and Senior Service Committee. The Rotary Club of San Jose holds formal meetings with networking opportunities every Wednesday featuring local, national and global influential business, civic, political and cultural speakers. The club was established in 1914, and is the most active and well-known service organization in the community. Rotary is a leadership organization working together to make a difference. Their members include local business, professional and civic leaders. They form lasting friendships through their shared Rotary experiences including committee meetings and projects, social events and group service projects within our community and internationally. Judy is a life-long golfer, she is passionate about sharing how The First Tee educational programs have impacted over 60,000 youth by building character, instilling life-enhancing values, and promoting healthy choices through the game of golf. Her job is to connect individuals and companies with the opportunity to help transform the lives of youth and give them a brighter future. Judy has come full circle in her career starting in the non-profit sector at the United Way, March of Dimes and Santa Clara County Fair Association then spent 20 years in media. Her time in media as Director of Sales spanned TV, Print and Radio working for KNTV-11, Silicon Valley Biz Ink and 15 years at 94.5 KBAY and Mix 106.5. She graduated from Bradley University then headed west where she met her husband of 30 years, Nate Deaton, a fellow Rotarian. Judy and Nate have a son Drew, a Bellermine grad, who will graduate from University of Arizona this May. When Judy isn’t working, you will find her golfing at Almaden Country Club, at country concerts or volunteering at Holy Spirit Parish.

Teen From San Jose To Attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship

One of 32 selected to attend the annual event held in Richmond, Va. June 12-17 Thai Hoang from The First Tee of Silicon Valley has been selected to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship held at The Kanawha Club in Richmond, VA, June 12–17. Hoang was selected for The First Tee National Par-3 Championship through a national application process. Applicants that met the participation criteria were reviewed by a national committee that scored based on essays, involvement with The First Tee and letters of recommendation.

Hoang is one of 32 teen participants—16 boys and 16 girls—from The First Tee selected to play in the 36-hole individual stroke play competition. At the conclusion of the 36 holes, a male and female Par-3 Champion will be determined. In addition to the golf experience, kids will participate in fun activities that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values, and other life skills learned through its programs and the game. Teens will also experience dorm living during their stay on campus at the University of Richmond. Thai is a Junior at Willow Glen High School in San Jose. He has been an active member of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2010 and recently received Ace certification, which is the highest level of achievement in the program. Thai gives back by coaching younger participants.

I am very excited that I got selected for the Par 3 Championship in Virginia! I am grateful for being able to represent The First Tee of Silicon Valley there. – Thai Hoang

We are so pleased that Thai has this opportunity to attend The First Tee’s prestigious Par 3 Championship. I am personally very proud of him for all the hard work that he has put into progressing through our class levels to become Ace Certified. Thai is a fine young man with a wonderful spirit and energy, who will make the Par 3 Championship better for all 32 attendees. – George Maxe, Executive Director

Three Volunteers Recognized by the Junior League of San Jose

April 17, 2018 – Campbell, Calif. Three volunteers with The First Tee of Silicon Valley were given certificates of appreciation during the 49^th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon by the Junior League of San Jose. In a program emceed by Laura Garcia and Marcus Washington of NBC Bay Area many volunteers and organizations were recognized for Giving Back and Paying Forward during 2017. Ten volunteers received the Crystal Bowl award, one of whom went on to be awarded the Voluntarism of the year award. We are very proud of all of our volunteers and wanted to acknowledge Lionel Hunt, Nicholas Ngai and Santad Kiatsupaibul for their commitment to the program during 2017. Lionel began volunteering with us shortly after moving to the area. He brought in his son, who moved quickly through our program. His son is now off to college, yet that has not wavered Lionel’s commitment to our program. He can be counted on to volunteer consistently and with integrity. He is an excellent role model for our participants and works to engage them in the program and to have a personal connection with them. Nicholas is that volunteer who can be relied on to carry out our standards while providing the best customer service. His work ethic is strong, if he is not actively working on a project, he is thinking of ways to improve our process so that it is running as efficient as possible. He knows all of the participants and their parents and greets them by name. He is a pleasure to work with and we find ourselves counting on him to go above and beyond every week.

Santad began volunteering shortly after both of his children advanced out of the beginning level of our program. Often times parents volunteer with a mind to stay with their child or to help their child advance, not the case with Santad. He not only volunteers at the entry level, but he has encouraged his children to give back to the program as well. As soon as his son was age-eligible, he began volunteering. Santad is that always smiling, constant presence who helps our participants feel comfortable and confident.

Isabelle Castro and Isabel Suizo Earn National Designation As The First Tee Scholars – Class of 2017-2018

Isabelle and Isabel are Seniors at Evergreen Valley High School and have been participants at The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2007. Both are currently Ace Certified participants, the highest level class, and demonstrate the Nine Core Values every day. Isabelle has been able to participate in the 2016 Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. Isabel has been able to participate in the 2017 The First Tee Life Skills Leadership Academy. They embody the leadership skills and characteristics that define The First Tee Scholars. Isabelle and Isabel are not just participants, they have given back as volunteer coaches as well. While serving as volunteer coaches they model the Nine Healthy Habits and golf etiquette to our younger participants.

I’m honored to have been selected as one of the First Tee Scholars for 2017-2018. I’m very grateful for this opportunity that will help bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of graduating with a medical degree in college to become a pediatrician. I am very much looking forward to attending college to focus on my educational pursuits, be involved in volunteering opportunities and internships, and making new friends. Isabelle Castro

I’m very honored to be awarded with this distinction. The First Tee has not only granted me this wonderful opportunity, but also has helped me develop the work ethic and diligence necessary to earn this award. I’d like to give a special thanks to Coach Matt for encouraging me to apply and guiding me throughout the application process! Isabel Suizo

We are so proud of Isabelle and Isabel for their accomplishments both on- and off-course, including their selection as scholars. With bright futures ahead of them, they will be great additions to the student body of their college of choice. George Maxe, Executive Director

The First Tee introduces children to the game of golf and its inherent values, recognizes participants for exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement through The First Tee Scholars Program. More than $7 million in college scholarship has been awarded to participants nation-wide by chapters and the home office since launching the Scholars program in 2003.