Natalie Chen and Alexandra Varo from First Tee – Silicon Valley are 2 of 40 participants selected to 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, and (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 which 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, 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!
Natalie Chen is a rising junior at Evergreen Valley Highschool. She has been a stand out First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) participant for over 7 years. Not only does she participate in our course sessions, she has taken both the Ace Career and Ace Education classes. Natalie also started volunteering as an FTSV Junior Coach in 2022, and has accumulated over 130 hours of service. Lastly, Natalie is an active member of our FTSV Junior Council, leading both the marketing and the social media team.
Outside of FTSV, Natalie is the Vice President of her high school golf team. She is a member of the California Youth Symphony and was selected last year as a spokesperson for the organization in a promotional video.
Click here to read the participant spotlight on Natalie.
Alexandra Varo is a recent graduate from Willow Glen High School. She will be attending San Jose State University in the fall. She has been an outstanding participant with FTSV since she started in 2021 and quickly started volunteer coaching. As a coach, she has accumulated over 220 hours of service, giving back her time in a meaningful and effective way. Alexandra regularly attends our Girls Golf events as both a participant and a coach and assists at our fundraisers.
“I enjoy volunteering as well as participating in First Tee because it provides an environment where I am able to learn more about myself, learn important life lessons through golf, and gain confidence” says Alexandra. “Throughout the golf seasons, I have learned how to become a better leader and I enjoy assisting in classes to contribute to a positive and fun environment for participants. I look forward to continuing in First Tee as a participant and a volunteer.”
Click here to read the participant spotlight on Alexandra.
We are grateful for the contributions Natalie and Alexandra 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!”
Published: 06-12-2024