Gabby R., incoming college freshman, Ace participant
Which Core Value did you use most and why?
I learned Respect the most because I was always meeting new people every day and I wanted to represent The First Tee of Silicon Valley well, so showing respect with anything that I did really showed them that I was having a great time and that I really wanted to be there.
Rishi A., rising 10th grader, Ace participant
Overall, what did you like and dislike about the experience at NorCal?
NorCal was a great experience, and it will remain as one of my unforgivable trips where I forget how I spend those 5 days. It was great that we got to play Peter Haye, Del Monte, and Poppy Hills golf courses in Pebble Beach. It was enlightening to talk to the people from the Pebble Beach Company and learn more about their jobs at a golf course and also what they are doing to prep for the 2019 US Open. The visit to the Taylormade fitting studio was another event that was memorable, as it helped me to learn about how they made clubs and were able to see how one of the tour trucks looked inside. During our visit to the studio, I was the only player who was able to putt the ball in to hole and it was sweet as this resulted in my winning a new Spider putter. I appreciate the time and effort the coaches and the staff, who were all very friendly and great spent with us, teaching us the core values, motivating us to do better and perform at a higher level every shot. The concert by Eddie Bush, dinner with Bobby Clampett at Poppy Hills restaurant were all events that will leave a lasting impression in my mind. I enjoyed my time at the academy, playing different courses, making new friends, building new relationships and best of all winning the Ken Morton Sr. “Core Values Award,” for my mastering and using the Nine core values. I would like to thank the coaches at The First Tee Silicon Valley in having faith and selecting me to represent my chapter in the academy. I would like to go back again and maybe someday be part of the academy as Coach helping mentor other kids.
Juan H., incoming college freshman at San Jose State University, Eagle participant
What was it like being/staying at the Stevenson School?
Staying at The Stevenson school was a great experience for me because I got to meet wonderful people during the days I had to stay there. Also, the school was awesome, the environment we were surrounded with was calm and the staff were very attentive.
Out of the different courses you played, which was your favorite and why?
I liked Poppy Hills a lot because I almost made a hole in one, the greens were beautiful, and the course overall was well taken care of.
Ralph K., rising 9th grader, Eagle participant
What did you think about the college tour at CSU Monterey Bay? Would you consider going to school there?
Although we were walking through strong winds and freezing cold air during the tour at CSU Monterey Bay, I am glad that I was able to see what the campus was like and to learn about the history of the school and what they have to offer. I would consider CSU Monterey Bay as one of my options to go to for college because of the small community, the class sizes are small, and it is close to my home.
Overall, what did you like and dislike about the experience at NorCal?
Furthermore, off the golf course at Stevenson School, CSU Monterey Bay, and Cannery Row with the coaches, chaperones, and other participants, I had to use good judgment because I am representing the Silicon Valley, so by making smart decisions I represented my chapter in a positive light. In addition, I really liked how everyone supported and cheered each other on during our endeavors, and the strong positive vibes every participant had. The coaches, chaperones, and participants that I was surrounded with truly made my experience at the NorCal Leadership Academy worthwhile and much thanks to the donors and sponsors for making it possible.
Read more about their adventures at the NorCal Leadership Academy through The First Tee of Contra Costa’s article.