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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.   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.

Respect is one of the most important virtues a child can have. Teaching your child how to respect others will ensure they develop positive relationships with their family, friends, teachers and mentors throughout their life. Respect can be taught in many ways, but ultimately it is about ensuring your children lead a happy life and treat other people kindly. The First Tee has established Nine Core Values that represent some of the many inherently positive values connected with the game of golf.   Respect is one of the cornerstone core values. By participating in The First Tee of Silicon Valley, young people are introduced to these core values which are incorporated throughout the program and they are encouraged to reinforce these behaviors at school and at home. In the game of golf, it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game. Have you ever noticed at the beginning and end of a round of golf, players shake hands? The sport of golf was built on the long-standing tradition respect between players. Consider registering your child in a class, becoming a volunteer or supporting our non-profit youth development organization.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley hosted its quarterly Girl’s Golf Play Day on March 3^rd at Rancho del Pueblo with a Winter Olympic theme. Led by LPGA Coach Molly Springmann and Program Coordinator/Coach Manny Gallardo, girls 3^rd through 8^th grade enjoyed an afternoon of lunch, inspiration, games and activities. The favorites in the game category were the cross patio skiing on paper plates and the noodle throw.  In the spirit of the First Tee Nine Core Values, the girls listened to Olympian speeches and discussed the key qualities that make a medalist. They also sported their creativity by making marshmallow snowmen and decorated cookie medals.  The day of fun and building friendships concluded with closing ceremonies and anticipation for the next Play Day scheduled on May 12^th.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley would like to thank San Jose Country Club for their welcoming hospitality in hosting one of our Treks. Participants, Rishi and Kelly, were able to play a fun round of golf with Board Director Ben Heben (CFO at Chronicle, an independent company within Alphabet) and Board Ambassador Nicole Hayashi (Investor Relations at Google). The First Tee of Silicon Valley is grateful to be a beneficiary of the Ernie Pieper Santa Clara County Championship held annually at San Jose Country Club.

Please join me in thanking Coach Ashley for her hard work and dedication to The First Tee of Silicon Valley and our youth as our Operations Coordinator for Marketing and Program Coordinator.  Her last day on our staff was Thursday, February 22^nd.  Ashley coordinated many of our events, including Girls Golf, community events and the Family Fiesta. She made a big impact on the participants she coached and events that she coordinated. Thank you, Ashley! — George Maxe, Executive Director

Please join The First Tee of Silicon Valley in welcoming Chris & Lina! Chris Moreno-Hunt joins us as Program Manager.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Pitzer College where he played on the golf team for four years, earning awards for First-Team All-League and the Jesse Clark Sportsmanship award. Prior to joining TFTSV, Chris was the Program Manager at the The First Tee of the East Bay for six years. He was also the Head Golf Coach for the Albany High School men’s and women’s teams coaching the men to their first league title in 45 years. Chris also taught golf at Tilden Park Golf Course as a lead instructor for their Nike Jr. Golf Camp, and Jr. Golf Academies. Learn more about Chris from the Q&A below. Q: Why did you get involved with The First Tee of Silicon Valley? A: In my six years with The First Tee I have enjoyed working with coaches, volunteers, and schools to deliver a unique program that promotes positive character development in ways that few other programs do. I am excited for the opportunity to continue delivering the First Tee curriculum and getting to know the Silicon Valley community. Q: What is your favorite Core Value and why? A: Courtesy.  Being polite and considerate of others should be something we do not have to think about–it should be an impulse. When we operate with inherent courtesy we create an environment of empathy.  Empathy will in turn help us understand each other and through understanding comes positive change. Q: What do you look forward most about your new role as Program Manager? A:  I look forward to building relationships and strengthening our partnerships with the Silicon Valley community. I have heard wonderful things about the community and I am excited to find new ways to expand our reach, particularly in underserved areas. Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: I play league soccer, indoor badminton, and enjoy plucking away at the Ukulele. Q: Is there anything else you’d like The First Tee of Silicon Valley community to know about you? A: When I was first introduced to golf I had no idea how much it would shape me as a person. I believe in the 9 Core Values and I try to live by them every day of my life. I care about others and would like nothing more than to help others experience the joy and the life lessons this game has offered me.   Lina Peña-Herrera joined our team as Operations Assistant in February. Lina habla Español.  She will be working closely with our outreach program and the Latino community. Learn more about Lina from the Q&A below. Q: Why did you get involved with The First Tee of Silicon Valley? A: Because we wanted our children to be involved in a youth program that combines not only sports practice but also the teaching of core values. After a long time asking for info on different sport programs, we found that TFTSV had just what we were looking for. Today, after being involved in this wonderful program for more than four and half years, we can state TFTSV was our best decision ever. Q: What have you learned about yourself while being a volunteer with our chapter? A: I found out that is very rewarding helping other participant families in TFTSV to fulfill their expectations of the program and, at the same time, get involved in my children’s activities. All of that makes me feel happier and more productive. Q: What is your favorite Core Value and why? A: Perseverance. Because I never stop working to achieve my goals and dreams. No matter what how difficult it is, I just keep moving. Q: What do you look forward most about your new role as Operations Assistant? A: I want to let my community know that through golf we can help our children develop their sport and life skills. Also, I want more children to come to our program, take advantage of the opportunity to share with other children, and understand through the game each value applied. Q: Do you have any hobbies? A: Crafting and travel to new places with my family. Q: Is there anything else you’d like The First Tee of Silicon Valley community to know about you? A: I enjoy teaching Spanish, volunteering at my church and working with the staff, couches and volunteers at TFTSV.