Category: 2023

Jonathan Tessman Receives Joyce Taylor Award & $5K Scholarship at Invitational

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to Jonathan Tessman at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2023 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 16th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2023 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 20th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 90,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Jonathan was selected for his consistent academic excellence, his exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for his 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. For Jonathan, the scholarship will help him with his acceptance to attend UC Berkeley to study Business.

The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago by founding FTSV Board Director, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and has since then been supported by her brother Alan Taylor.

Here is a summary of Jonathan’s accomplishments:

  • Distinguished Diploma – Monte Vista Christian HS
  • Liberal Arts AA in Business – Gavilan College
  • Entering Freshman – UC Berkeley to Study Business
  • Student Government (ASGC) – Gavilan College
  • Student Trustee – Gavilan College
  • Best Diplomat Award – Gavilan College
  • Founder of Debate & Finance Club
  • Volunteered >400 Hours Across 4 Organizations
  • FTSV – President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award
  • FTSV – Participant Since Age 6
  • FTSV – Ace Participant

You can watch Jonathan’s Speech here.

In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation, the Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: HP, Inc., PG&E, NGR, Chevron, SoCal Gas, PhRMA, SDGE, SoCal Edison, Niemela Pappas & Assoc, Altria, Lancaster Toyota, and Intuit. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor Arrañaga and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, sponsors participated in a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with their colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Senator Dave Cortese, CA Senator Steven Bradford, CA Speaker Robert Rivas, CA Assembly Member Flora Heath, Silicon Valley Leadership CEO Ahmad Thomas, 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.

Las Lomitas Field Trip to Baylands

In June, First Tee – Silicon Valley coordinated a multi-day field trip with Las Lomitas Elementary School and Baylands Golf Links. Over the course of two days, approximately 275 students attended along with 30 parent volunteer chaperones. The students rotated between four different stations, each with their own golf skill and life skill focus. The games included students scoring points on the driving range while showing respect for their teammates and opponents, and hitting tennis balls at a coach in a snag suit with a focus on sportsmanship! This gave the students an opportunity to experience just what First Tee – Silicon Valley has to offer, as well as become familiar with their local course. During the field trip, about 200+ fliers were handed out detailing our program, and many parents expressed interest in signing their children up or volunteering themselves. The event went so well that the school has expressed interest in doing it again next year.

This field trip was the culmination of a school outreach partnership that took place over the month of May. Working with the amazing physical education teachers Trisha Nettles and Stacy Olson, First Tee – Silicon Valley Program Coordinators supported the delivery of life skill and golf game curriculum to the Las Lomitas students. Students played fun games while learning the important life skills such as respect, integrity, and perseverance. On behalf of First Tee – Silicon Valley, thank you for the support from the Las Lomitas Elementary School, Baylands Golf Links, and especially from Trisha and Stacy!

FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 16th

Registration for our fall season opens here on Wednesday, August 16th at 11am and closes on Thursday, August 24th at Noon. The 8-week fall season begins the week of September 5th and ends October 28th. Register on August 16th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.

We have a new, expanded, long-term use agreement at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course so more classes are available at Rancho than ever before!

Classes are broken down by grade group so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our fall classes. The fall season tends to be our most popular so be sure to mark your calendar for the 16th of August. We will announce our schedule and post it here by next week. Each week our participants will experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover everything from collaborating with others, to goal setting, to building a positive self-identity. Most importantly we strive to integrate the skills seamlessly through games and activities that make

Game Examples Include:

  • Soccer Range Shootout
  • Putt Bowling
  • Hungry Hungry Hippos
  • Mario Golf
  • Battleship Chipping
  • Top Golf
  • Trouble Shot
  • Musical Drivers
  • Wheel of Fortune
  • Capture the Flag

We encourage youth 2nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information click here. Click here to view our program video and learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches!

See you at the course!

3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament in Gilroy

Join Jacobs – South County Regional Wastewater Authority as they honor Jesus Luna with the 3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley on Saturday, September 30th at Gilroy Golf Course.

Jacobs - SCRWA Logo

Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Under a long-term service agreement, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the wastewater system. It is the goal of SCRWA to protect public health and the environment and ensure economic vitality of the Gilroy-Morgan Hill region. The plant operator’s objective is to provide the best quality recycled water at a superior value to the residents.

This plant has won numerous awards, including Plant of the Year Award for the past 5 years, while many of their employees have also won individual awards, including Jesus Luna, winning Laboratory Person of the Year numerous times, with the most recent in 2022.

Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities. Which is why Jacobs’ felt compelled to sponsor the 3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament.  First Tee – Silicon Valley, South County will be the beneficiary while also honoring Jesus Luna who will be retiring in the near future, after working 37 years for Jacobs at the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA). Jesus is an avid golfer and would like to spend some of his retirement time teaching the youth in our community golf skills. So, Jacobs thought what better way to spend their time, money, and effort than to support First Tee – Silicon Valley.

Register or Sponsor
Download the Flyer
Fund the kids flyer 2023

Congratulations to Our High School Seniors!

Congratulations to our 9 seniors on their accomplishments in high school and on their admission to college! Here is where they are going to school next year.

First LastCollege
DylanWuUniversity of Illinois
FrancescaSumcadUniversity of Boulder Colorado
GabyMataUniversity of Chicago
HaileyHoangMenlo College
ItzelEspinoSan Jose State
JonathanTessmannUC Berkeley
Katelyn  ChanCal Poly SLO
RyanChangUCLA’s School of Engineering
StevenPanUCLA

We have been fortunate to have many of them in our program between 4 and 12 years. While they are leaving our program as participants, we are excited for them to continue their journey in college and be game changers within their communities.

Thank you seniors!

Interested in starting our program and taking part in what our seniors experienced?

  • Visit our youth classes page to learn more.
  • Registration for the Summer is now closed, but you can join us in the fall with registration opening August 16th at 11am.
  • The fall season begins 9/5 and ends 10/28.
  • Questions? Email [email protected] or call 408-508-4880

Be a Volunteer Coach

Be a Volunteer Coach! First Tee — Silicon Valley is looking for high quality, caring people that are interested in showing up and guiding others, so they become even better people and leaders of tomorrow. Our volunteer coaches work together to teach our Life Skills and Golf Skills curriculum by finding and using coachable moments and by making the sessions fun and engaging.

Having Fun While Learning

Long-term learning involves application as opposed to memorization. What better way to apply a skill than through an engaging game. Games help create a fun environment where participants feel free to take chances, are motivated, and learn to make adjustments.

One of our main roles as coaches is to help participants find enjoyment in what they are learning and want to return the following week. If coaches are having fun while teaching, more often than not the participants are having fun as well.

Come be part of the fun

What if I am not an expert coach or golfer?

Our coaches come from all walks of life with different life and golf experiences. We provide life and golf skill training as well as training on coach strategies, on techniques, and on our coach philosophy. Our goal is to make sure every coach feels supported. Additionally, we have created lesson plans to help everyone work together and encourage one another in the content and delivery. There will always be a paid, lead coach for each class coordinating the group of coaches. We simply ask that all coaches have a passion for helping others, are excited about the challenge, and are willing to have fun while coaching!

What is the time requirement?

  • Volunteer coaches can choose from several class options by location, day of the week, and time.
  • Time commitment is 2.5 hours a day, once a week for an 8-week season. The 2.5 hours include a 30-minute pre-class meeting, 1.5-hour class, and a 30-minute post-class debrief.

Please help us spread the word. The more positive and dedicated coaches, the better the program, and the more impactful it is for our youth.  

Be a volunteer coach. Kids warm-up.

Classic – October 9th – Register Now!

The 4th Annual Classic fundraising tournament returns to Baylands Golf Links on Monday, October 9th, 12:30pm Shotgun.  Special thank you to our Top Sponsors who have committed their support for this year!  Presenting Sponsor: SAGA Foundation & Hosting Sponsors: PGA TOUR Superstore and Gallagher. Read more about how your company can still get involved.

Players will compete in a Scramble Tournament with a variety of contests and raffle prizes. Invite your friends and colleagues for a great day of golf and camaraderie including lunch, post round awards dinner, tee prizes & auction!

Explore all the Sponsor Levels:

$20,000 Presenting Sponsors (2) – co-branded logo on website, socials, newsletters, flyers, signage, full page ad in program plus three foursomes

$10,000 Hosting Sponsors (2) – signage on 3 holes, logo on website, newsletter and program plus two foursomes

$5,000 Contributing Sponsors (4) – signage on 2 premium contest holes, program logo plus one foursome

$1,600 Foursome or $800 Twosome Sponsors – 18-holes golf, cart, lunch, awards dinner, tee prizes, on-course beverages and snacks, contests, 10 raffle tickets per player

$1,000 Hole Sponsor – signage on one hole and program listing

Classic Timeline:

10:30am Check in, Contest Raffle Bundle and Tee Prize

11:30am Box Lunch Available

12:30pm Scramble Shotgun Start

5:30pm BBQ Dinner, Hosted Cocktails, Live Auction and Awards Program

6:30pm Tournament Concludes

Please contact our Development Director, Judy Dixon Deaton 408-508-4881 – [email protected]  to discuss custom sponsorships or underwriting opportunities.

Register or Sponsor
Download the Flyer

Summer Hires, Assisting with Future Transferable Skills!

Every summer, First Tee — Silicon Valley (FTSV) expands our coaching team and hires FTSV alumni as paid coaches. FTSV participants gain knowledgeable and caring coaches, while FTSV alumni coaches gain transferable skills that will help with future jobs and careers.

This summer we have hired the following FTSV alumni as FTSV Coaches:

  1. Christopher Fox – Dickinson College
  2. Andres Herrera – UC Irvine
  3. Linette Jun – UC Davis
  4. Advaiith Pathi – Hamilton College
  5. Ryan Oglevee – Mission College

During our onboarding process, our coaches practice applying their interviewing skills, updating their resumes, and are trained on effective communication, active listening, and management/leadership techniques.

As paid instructors, they work in collaboration with the lead instructors to not just deliver the curriculum, but to manage the class. Class management includes empowering and guiding volunteers, engaging with parent/guardians, coordinating class logistics, and inspiring participants.

“We love having our alumni return as coaches while they’re still in college,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “As their mentors, we get to continue walking alongside them in their personal growth. As their fellow coaches, we get to encourage them to take what they learned in FTSV to another level that helps the kids that have followed them in FTSV. What’s more, our alumni coaches learn important work disciplines such as showing up on time, working hard, adjusting to unforeseen changes to plan, and communicating well in all directions – to kids, to parents, to peer coaches, to older coaches, and to FTSV management.”

Growing Program Requires a Growing Team

Beginning this summer season, our Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course has expanded course access. Our goal is to grow our reach, but not at the expense of our coach-to-student ratio. We are grateful that our alumni want to return to the program and keep that ratio low, but more importantly want to give back and create a positive experience for younger FTSV participants.

Interested in getting started and developing adaptive, transferable skills?

  • Visit our volunteer page and click on the volunteer form.
  • Or contact Julie Donnellan at 408-508-4882 or [email protected]
  • Click here for our volunteer tri-fold for more information.
  • Click here to view our video and hear from our coaches and participants.
  • Click here to view a video on what it means to be a coach from other First Tee coaches and alumni from around the country.
Linette Jun
Ryan Oglevee
Christopher Fox
Advaiith Pathi
Andres Herrera

Summer of Opportunity!

We are thrilled to announce the acceptance of 8 of our participants (and hopefully more in the coming months!):  Dylan Chang, Raashika Biswari, Elise NJ, Li An Panfil, Franky Sumcad, Camille Thai, Alexandra Varo, and Norah Yang to various First Tee National opportunities.

Every year, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants who have been long standing and highly engaged participants are selected to apply for First Tee National opportunities (announcing in the summer with these opportunities). Competition for the opportunities is high and spaces are very limited. To be able to apply, our chapter looks for FTSV participants who have a minimum of 3 years with First Tee, have completed the challenges in the Grades 9-12 Practice and Course class, and have been highly engaged in the chapter over the years (i.e., volunteer coach, participant at least 2 seasons per year each year, active in tournaments/Girls Golf, etc.).

Once selected to apply, applicants must meet the requirements set forth by First Tee National, and must write several short essays, add in their accomplishments in and out of the classroom, and include letters of recommendation. Applicants from across the country apply for the limited spaces. Selected recipients get to experience opportunities of a lifetime.

Franky Sumcad, Norah Yang, and Camille Thai

Accepted to the First Tee National Championship to be held at Stanford Golf Course in Palo Alto, California July 4th – July 6st. Click here for the full story.

Alexandra Varo and Raashika Biswari

Accepted to the Game Changers Academy to be held July 18th-22th in Philadelphia, PA. Click here for the full story.

Elise NJ and Li An Panfil

Accepted to the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in Emigrant, Montana, July 31st – August 4th and August 7th – August 11th. Click here for the full story.

Dylan Chang

Accepted to the First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta, Georgia June 19th– 22nd. Click here for the full story.

“We are proud and excited to have Dylan, Raashika, Elise, Li An, Franky, Camille, Alexandra, and Norah represent our chapter at these national opportunities,” says First Tee – Silicon Valley Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We are grateful to have had them in our program. They are great people and have made our program a better place.”

A special thank you to Coach Phoenix for working with each participant on their application.

Please join us in congratulating Dylan, Raashika, Elise, Li An, Franky, Camille, Alexandra, and Norah for their outstanding achievement! Acceptance to these opportunities is a product of their character, the work they put in, and the commitment they demonstrated to our program.

To find out more regarding our local, regional, and national opportunities please visit our youth opportunity page.

Alexandra Varo and Raashika Biswari – FTSV’s Participants Selected for Game Changers Academy

Alexandra Varo and Raashika Biswari from First Tee — Silicon Valley have been selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, July 18-22, 2023. They are 2 of 72 teens from the First Tee network who have been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy and will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity, empathy and inclusion.

RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, will facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position the teens to be advocates for justice and social change in their current and future communities.  

Meet our Game Changers Participants!

Alexandra is a rising senior at Willow Glen High School in San Jose and has been a highly engaged participant. Since beginning as a participant, she has taken a class in every season, participated in our Girls Golf program, represented our chapter at a PGA TOUR Superstore event, and has been an active volunteer coach for the past year. “Being a game changer means helping your community and being the change that your community needs,” said Alexandra. To that point she is part of her school’s Latinx club and helps plan cultural events to support her community. She is a high achieving student at school receiving honor rolls.

Raashika  is a rising senior at Monta Vista High School. She has been in our program for over 5 years and a volunteer coach for 2 years. She completed all of our past levels, and completed all 4 of our Ace (now Future Planning) project seminars. Outside of our normal 8-week program, she participated in our Girls Golf events, and local tournaments. She also took part in the PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Series. Outside of First Tee she started a non-profit called Art/STEM where she partners with other non-profits to conduct workshops for her community. Most recently she worked together on a Q&A emphasizing and encouraging women in STEM.

“Alexandra and Raashika are leaders in and outside of our program and are taking action in their communities to be positive difference makers,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Acceptance in the Game Changers Academy will provide valuable lessons and experiences which will equip them with the tools to give back and make positive change. We are proud of who they are, what they have accomplished here at FTSV, and how they want to make this world a better place. We are excited to see them pursue their goals in order to shape the future.”

The event will be held at Villanova University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Selected participants will be housed at the Good Counsel Hall dormitory at Villanova and golf programming will take place at Walnut Lane Golf Club and Merion Golf Club.

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017.

Congratulations Alexandra and Raashika!

alexandra and raashika game changers academy

Dylan Chang Selected to First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore

Dylan Chang from First Tee – Silicon Valley is 1 of 48 participants selected from across the country to the First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Leadership Academy provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. The curriculum explores leadership concepts focusing on…

(1) building a successful team by recognizing values and identifying strengths/weaknesses

(2) leading a team by developing authentic relationships and empowering others

(3) supporting the team by developing awareness and acting with humility

(4) assessing based on comprehending and identifying the teams need and supporting through innovation and advocacy.

The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity- based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Meet our Leadership Academy Participant!

Dylan Chang is a rising Junior at Carlmont High School in Belmont. He is a model for First Tee engagement and commitment. He has been in the program for over 8 years, achieving all of our past levels, and participating in every season. Additionally, he has been volunteering at our admin table for 2 years and coaching as many as 3 classes each season on Saturdays. Recently, he was awarded the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the amount of volunteer hours served at FTSV.

“Upon learning that I’ve been accepted into the Leadership Academy, I felt a mixture of excitement and a sense of pride in that I am able to share the values and experiences that I have learned through FTSV with peers from around the country, “ said Dylan. “I am also elated knowing that the skills and experiences from this coming opportunity will follow and guide me throughout the rest of my life.”

“FTSV has always been a home to me. I have the luxury of meeting many wonderful people who I can consider as part of my second family. Beyond family, FTSV has always been an amazing growing environment where I can absorb and use the experiences of those around me to help develop the best version of myself that I can be.”

“Dylan is what First Tee is all about. He is a person of high character and looks out for others,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “He is a team player who we are grateful to have in our program, leading our younger participants. Congratulations Dylan!

Dylan Chang FT Leadership Academy

Elise NJ and Li An Panfil Selected to First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore

Elise NJ and Li An Panfil from First Tee – Silicon Valley are 2 of 40 participants selected to attend the First Tee Leadership Summit, in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including…

(1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness.

(2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking.

(3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and team building activities.

Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting. This provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors, and the outdoors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, located in West Creek Ranch, and First Tee Headquarters. Both our participants were selected based on their performance in the First Tee Leadership Series at the PGA TOUR Superstore in Cupertino.

Meet our Leadership Summit Participants!

Elise NJ is a rising Junior at UPA in San Jose. She has been an excellent First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) participant for over 4 years. Elise has taken classes every season including Zoom classes during the COVID-impacted year in 2020. She started volunteering as a junior FTSV coach this year. In addition to volunteering at FTSV she teaches STEAM classes to elementary students and volunteering at the African American Community Service Agency, she coordinates senior citizen dances and community outreaches.

“I attribute my progress to the values instilled in me by First Tee,” says Elise. “The program’s emphasis on teamwork motived me to help others, not by telling them what to do, but by guiding them towards their own solutions. As a volunteer, I get to practice these skills regularly.”

Li An is a rising Junior at Christopher High School in Gilroy. She has been an outstanding participant with FTSV for over 10 years and a FTSV Coach for 2 years. She completed all 5 of our previous levels including all 4 of our ACE (now known as Future Planning) class projects. Outside of First Tee she is the captain of her school’s golf team and started a few clubs including the Chemical Society Club and the Journalism Club. “First Tee has provided me with tools for success,” said Li An, “to set goals that I can strive for and attain.”

We are grateful for the contributions Elise and Li An have made to our chapter,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “They both are outstanding role models for our participants and we are excited for them to continue to develop their leadership skills at the leadership summit. Congratulations to you both!”

Elise and Li First Tee leadership summit