Category: Scholarships

Julia Villa Receives 2026 Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award

(Julia Villa Receives 2026 Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 7/27/2026) The Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created by First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership.  The $5,000 scholarship was awarded to Julia Villa at the FTSV 2026 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 19th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA.

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.

Julia Villa Receives Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Award – Julia was unable to attend the Invitational to tell her story in-person, as she was selected by a national group of First Tee judges to represent our chapter at the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis.

 “First Tee – Silicon Valley’s appreciation and commitment to diversity helped me feel like I belonged.” Julia continued, “This type of inclusivity and unity is truly one of a kind, and as a Latina female golfer, it gave me the confidence to be myself.  Unfortunately, away from the First Tee – Silicon Valley, such inclusivity and support wasn’t what I experienced, and my confidence suffered as a result. For example, during my freshman year of high school, I attempted to try out for my school’s golf team, but was discouraged from trying out because I was told it would be too competitive. Naturally, this caused me to feel inadequate and made me form a negative opinion on golf. Why would I be told what I can’t do? That discouragement held me back for two years. Yes, it took me two years to realize this is a game and space for me. I’m happy to say that the First Tee Silicon Valley not only gave me the confidence back, but it gave me the confidence to try new opportunities.”

“As my self-belief and confidence grew, I felt more and more excited about my future. First Tee – Silicon Valley helped me discover my future plans and gave me the space and opportunity to develop to develop the necessary professional skills, I was interested in event coordination, so I shadowed the First Tee Silicon Valley’s marketing coordinator, Nicole Woodson, and learned about event marketing and coordination from start to finish. I learned group collaboration skills, how to organize and structure event agendas, and practice the professional correspondence. Then she and my coaches encouraged me to be the lead of the first tee Junior Council Committee. I was in charge of planning our Junior Council Appreciation Party. Because of this experience, I’m happy to announce that in the fall I’ll be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, majoring in Experience Industry Management with a concentration in event planning.”

Listen to Julia’s Full Speech HERE

Julia’s Accomplishments

  • FTSV Participant since 2024
  • FTSV Volunteer Coach since 2024
  • FTSV Junior Council Member – Event Planning Committee Chair. Coordinated an event that celebrated and recognized youth volunteers.
  • Selected by a National Panel to Attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis.
  • Attending Cal Poly SLO this Fall

FTSV Participant and Coach Jennifer Barrientos Receives Scholarship via Youth on Course

(FTSV Participant and Coach Jennifer Barrientos Receives Scholarship via Youth on Course – Published 7/09/2026) Jennifer Barrientos is the 2026 recipient of the Youth on Course College Scholarship! She will be the first in her family to attend a 4-year college and we couldn’t be more proud of her.

Her journey with us began in 2018 at our Parent University outreach event for Alum Rock Unified School District’s participants and families. Our Operations Assistant, Lina Herrera Peña attended the event and spoke with her and her family about our program. “Watching them participate together in the activities and seeing how excited the children were about golf allowed me to share with them the purpose and opportunities that come from being in First Tee,” said Lina. “What resonated with them the most was our program’s commitment to teaching life skills through golf while also preparing participants for the future beyond high school.”

According to Jennifer, “Before joining FTSV, all I knew about golf was that it was expensive and difficult to play. It was foreign to me and my family and not something we thought was going to be an option. FTSV offered my sister and I financial assistance, which made it possible for us to join the program. True to what my mom always taught us, I did not take this opportunity for granted. Now I am here receiving multiple scholarships to college!”

She further highlights the impact that FTSV has had on her and her family, “My mom is a single mom and takes care of all three of us. She tries her best to give us what we need. I have a responsibility to my mom, sister, and brother. We are in this together and I embrace the challenge of being a role model and taking care of my mom. In FTSV, we learned that responsibility requires setting goals and following through on promises. I will continue to work hard in golf, my education, and my career to make myself, and my family proud.”

Fast forward 8 years and she has been one of the most engaged participants and coaches that we have ever had. She has taken all of our classes across all age groups, participated in and coached our Girls Golf program, assisted at our outreach events by speaking Spanish to families, became a volunteer life and golf coach, and now that she graduated is a paid coach with us over the summer. As a result of her contributions and her high character, she was selected to attend the First Tee John Deere Drive Your Future Academy in Florida, which is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their Chapters, schools, and communities. In 2022, FTSV selected her as our Dennis Kettmann College Scholarship recipient. She also received the Latino Education Advancement Foundation Scholarship and was a finalist for the Posse Foundation Scholar Program, which connected her with St Olaf and their scholarship fund.

In addition to the opportunities and scholarships, she credits FTSV with helping her “learn how to network, mentor, collaborate, and set goals. The impact my FTSV coaches have had on me is beyond explainable. They have always been there for me, guided me, gave me advice from their personal experience, and tied it back to what I can do for my personal impact.”

Networking and setting goals helped her get jobs throughout high school to save up money for college. That, together with her earned scholarships, is making it possible for her to accomplish her dream of being the first in her family to go to a 4-year college. This fall she will be attending St Olaf in Minnesota!

“I have so many good memories with First Tee – Silicon Valley and I’m extremely grateful for everything they have given me – national opportunities, personal growth, and most importantly, such a supportive community where I was able to learn and adapt.”

Congratulations, Jennifer. We are so proud of and happy for you, and we are excited for your next steps in life.

To join our program as Jennifer did, please visit here. Financial aid is available, and we don’t turn anyone away.

To read more about our local, regional and national opportunities, please click here.

Thank You OPEN Sponsors & Players

(Thank You OPEN Sponsors & Players Published 6/11/2026) FTSV’s 14th Annual OPEN tournament on June 5th was a great day for all! The weather couldn’t have been better at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for the 124 golfers including 10 top sponsors who came together for a great cause, raising a total of $104,000 after expenses. Proceeds benefit First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid participants. We teach life skills and golf skills on-course, in-school, and after-school. Our programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

For the first year, FTSV awarded one of our most important and longest standing college scholarships at the Open. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide college financial assistance to a teen participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.

The 2026 Joyce Taylor Eagle Award was given to Alonso Jose.

  • FTSV Participant, Volunteer, and Junior Councilmember
  • Selected by national panel to attend Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis
  • FTSV Junior Coach of the Year 2025
  • District 2 Representative, Valley Water Youth Commission 2025-2026
  • Valley Water Adopt-A-Creek Junior Partner, Canoas Creek
  • Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction
  • Santa Clara County Office of Education Seal of Biliteracy

All of the individuals behind our Sponsorships deserve special recognition.

Special Hosting Check Presentation:

PGA TOUR Superstore – Cupertino (Kate Nielsen)

PGA TOUR Superstore – East Palo Alto (Brad Hanson)

Hosting Sponsors:

Gallagher Insurance (Mike Gallagher)

US Bank (Keith Kobata)

Contributing Sponsors:

Hallagan Huston Family Foundation (Ron & Ann Hallagan)

Panera Bread (Jeff Burrill)

Pinnacle Bank (Doug Moffat)

Bill Powar

Ajinomoto Group Ventures (Max von Poelnitz)

Guerrero Properties (Steve & Lisa Guerrero)

Luna Mexican Kitchen (John Lopez)

Want to see your FOURSOME photo? CLICK HERE

FTSV 14th Annual OPEN Scramble Tournament Winners

First Place – Score 54 Nick Robles, Aaron Beverly, Samantha Castillo, Jose Rojo

Second Place – Score 57 Ron Gonzales, Chris King, Manny Diaz, Steve Guerrero

Contest Winners

Closest to the Pin:

Lake #8 – Manny Chavez

Mountain #2 – Alexis Chu

PGATSS Putting Contest:

1) Phoenix Jarrell

2) Steve Morgan

3) Nick Robles

4) Kyle Krebs

Sunnyvale Toyota Car Hole-In-One – no winners but special thanks to Kevin Pang and the fine folks at Sunnyvale Toyota

Thank you to our Raffle Donors and Winners

  • San Jose Muni Golf Course – Jackson Burrill
  • Almaden Golf & Country Club – Chris Chang
  • Silver Creek Valley Country Club – Tom Tate
  • Callippee Preserve Golf Course – Al Yanez
  • Bayonet-Blackhorse with Ron Hallagan – Tony Briseno
  • Stanford Golf Course – Doug Moffat
  • Los Positas Golf Course – James Houlihan
  • Callaway Tri-Force Driver & Hyperlight Zero Stand Bag – Ian Bronson
  • 90-Minute Bay Flight – Ron Fischang
  • Hellam’s Tobacco & Wine Shop: Wine & Cigar Pack with Glasses – Mike Lorion
  • (2) Tickets to 49ers vs. Titans Aug. 13th – Randy Hahn (Re-donated THANK YOU!)

Thank you to our Live Auction Donors & Supporters:

1) Eden Rift Vineyards ATV Tour & Tasting for 8 (donated by Christian Pillsbury and Michelle Wei) – Nick Gates

2) 49ers 2-Game Package Plus Tailgate Parking x 2 – Steve Guerrero & Keith Kobata

3) Spectacular Golf for 8 at CordeValle Golf Club x 2 – Julie Boncher & Blake Bridges

4) An Evening with San Jose Sharks with Randy Hahn & Signed Team Jersey – Ron Hallagan

5) Special 49ers (4) Club Level Seats + (4) Field Passes – Javier Garcia

6) 5-Night Stay for FOUR in Hawaii x2 – Julie Boncher & Nick Gates

Thank you to our MC & Auctioneer Randy Hahn – Emmy Award winning Sharks television broadcaster

Thank you to Board of Directors and Ambassadors who participated or helped with sponsors:  Victor Arrañaga, Max von Poelnitz, Shawn Fox, Steve Guerrero, Andrea Brenholz, Don DeLorenzo, Ron Hallagan, Doug Moffat, Jason Luehrs, Bau-Lin Yueh and Alex Worbel.

Thank you to our Tournament Coordinators: Development Director Beth Williams & Marketing-Event Coordinator Nicole Woodson.

Thank you to our Staff:  President & CEO George Maxe, Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt, Operations Coordinator Julie Donnellan, Program Coordinators Manny Gallardo, Sean Finnerty, Tanner Riley, Blake Jones, Nancy Rivera  

Thank you to our Volunteers: Michael Freday, Sahara Huchim, Zoe Huchim, Vian Tran, Jennifer Barrientos, Jerry Moore, Ellie Kong, Isabel Suizo, Nick Suizo, Japman Kahlon, Roni Castro and Tony Aiello.

Thank you to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club: Tournament Director Nick Starr, General Manager Adam Schiro, and Food & Beverage and Grounds Staff.

Proceeds from the Open will help us impact the lives of youth by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. We believe that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to growing our program so it is accessible to MORE kids.

Please contact our Development Director, Beth Williams 408-508-4881 – [email protected]  to discuss sponsorship or underwriting opportunities for next year’s Open on Friday, May 14, 2027.   

Juan Hernandez Receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship

(Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship – Published 08/8/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley participant, Juan Hernandez, was recently awarded the 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship. Each year golfers in the Dennis Kettmann Memorial Tournament raise funds to remember Dennis. Their generosity underwrites this special $5,000 college scholarship for a standout FTSV participant.

Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from his father, Dennis, and knows that he must be smiling knowing that his memory is now helping FTSV’s young people pursue their college dreams. 

David Henningsen, who is also a co-organizer shared, “It was so wonderful to have the recipient of the “Big D” scholarship play in our tournament and speak to the supporters about how FTSV has impacted him.”

Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship

More About Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez first came to First Tee – Silicon Valley as a 6th grader. He was exposed to our program by our long-time youth partner, Redwood City Pal Center. Each season the Pal Center transports up to 13 participants in their van and takes them to our Friday classes at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto. As Juan aged into high school, he and his brother made the long trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course every Saturday to continue his classes. He is a unifying and positive force in our class and we are grateful to have him with us each and every season. This fall he will be attending Sacramento State University where he plans to study Civil Engineering. 

“Including others and being more outgoing are some of my biggest take aways from FTSV. I sometimes see people at school that are by themselves or don’t have many friends, and I invite them to hang out with me and my friends. First Tee has helped me to be a Go-To person for others and realize who my Go-To people are. I have different Go-To people for different situations, people like my brother, my friends, and my coaches.”

“For other kids starting out, I’d say keep going. It’s good to keep an open mind, in the end, it’s worth it. The program will help you a lot. It will help you set your vision and teach you important life skills that will help you right now and for the rest of your life. Don’t knock it until you try it!”

This scholarship will go a long way towards helping Juan pursue his educational goals and more.  Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Juan!

Listen to Juan’s Speech at the 2025 FTSV OPEN tournament to learn more about his time in FTSV

Learn More about our opportunities

  • Interested in joining the program like Juan? Please click here
  • Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Please click here
  • Interested in making a donation to help participants receive financial aid? Click here
  • Interested in our local, regional, and national opportunities? Click here

Isabella Herrera Receives Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award

(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25th 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 Eagle Award

(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…

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.

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.