Invitational Archives - First Tee

(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25^th Anniversary, the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership. The inaugural $5,000 scholarship was awarded to long-time FTSV participant Isabella Herrera at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Special thanks to PG&E and PhRMA for their early funding of the scholarship fund.

Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. is the Founding Chairman of First Tee – Silicon Valley

Leading the organization with unwavering dedication since 2000. As Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority in the late ’90s, he helped launch the Eagles youth golf program at the new Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The program evolved into a First Tee chapter in 2005, expanded regionally in 2012, and became an independent nonprofit in 2014. Under Victor’s leadership, FTSV has grown into a top-tier chapter among more than 150 nationwide.

Victor leads with heart and purpose, fueled by his deep love for East San José, youth, and the game of golf as a tool for character development. His successful career in government relations with major corporations adds to his gravitas, while his warm presence and signature phrase — “keep a smile” — continue to uplift and inspire all around him.

Isabella remarks on why she believes she was selected for the award.

“When I was 14, I was encouraged to give back and become a coach. My coaches helped train me, gave me feedback, and encouraged me to lead sections of the class. I was trusted to connect with families in Spanish at community outreach events and share information about our program to families that had no experience with golf. Beyond coaching, my First Tee – Silicon Valley family has advocated for me to apply for national opportunities… which has resulted in me being accepted to the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis, the Driver Future Academy in San Francisco, and the Leadership Summit in Montana.”

Isabella’s Accomplishments

FTSV Participant since 2013
Volunteer since September 2021
Selected by a National Panel to Attend: The First Tee Game Changers Academy, First Tee Leadership Summit, Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee College Scholar
VP California Junior Scholarship Federation – Honors Program
President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold
Youth on Course Leadership Chair
National Honors Society – Notre Dame High School
LPGA Girls Golf E-Leader
She will be attending USC in the fall

In additional to the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award presentation

The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.

First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants,
thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.

Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

(Ashely Pang Receives Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship – Published 08/01/2025) The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to long-time FTSV participant Ashley Pang at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Ashely was selected for her consistent academic excellence, her exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for her demonstration of First Tee character and life skills. The purpose of the award is to provide a high school student the financial hope of attending college. Ashely will be attending Pacific University this fall.

The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago and has since then been supported by other supporters and Joyce’s brother, Alan Taylor.

Ashely remarks on her takeaways from FTSV

“Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for what First Tee has given me—not just a deeper understanding of golf, but a clear sense of how I want to lead and be seen by others. Through lessons like identifying what it means to be in the stretch zone, and adopting a growth mindset through challenges, I’ve learned that leadership is about stepping up and embracing the challenges, even when the outcome is uncertain or so far away. I now carry a toolkit of confidence, compassion, and resilience–characteristics of myself that I hope to inspire and share with my surrounding community….my First Tee community will always be supporting me wherever I am.”

Ashely’s Accomplishments

FTSV Participant since 2012 & Volunteer since 2021 Selected by a National Panel to Attend:
The First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta
Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco
High School Golf Team Captain 2021-2024
President’s Volunteer Service Golf Award for 2024
Co-President of her High School’s German Club
1 of 2 Participants at her High School awarded Social Studies Excellence Award
Magna Cum Laude

Speech: Ashely Pang Received Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship

In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation…

First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.

Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California.

Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became First Tee — Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 81,234 youth since 2005. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide financial assistance for college to a participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.