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1. Why is mentorship important?Looking Back on the First Tee Leadership Summit
This August, we held our first ever First Tee Leadership Summit in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana. This event took place for two weeks, bringing together 20 teens each week from across the country to develop leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities.
Through collaborative workshops, First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience played a huge part of the experience, to explore the concepts of relationship building, positive risk taking, and character evaluation.
We recently caught up with participant Benjamin Parris from First Tee – Denver to hear how this year’s event impacted him.
In Denver, I often hear the amazing experiences fellow participants have when they return from First Tee national events. Until the first week of August 2021, I had never experienced one for myself and I was not quite sure what to expect when I was selected for The First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore at Mr. Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana.
As soon as I arrived at the airport, I knew it would be a special week as I was immediately greeted by fellow participants and alumni chaperones. When we arrived at West Creek, even more participants were eager to greet us and introduce themselves. I knew I had formed relationships almost immediately, and those only got better as the week went on.
At the summit, we got to participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, white water rafting, and other spectacular outdoor experiences. Also, during our days, we had the opportunities to listen to guest speakers like Dick Sullivan (CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore), Ralph Stokes (the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Director of Partnership Marketing and former University of Alabama running back), Joe Shepard (a PGA TOUR Superstore Regional Manager), Stacie Monks (a PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager), and our keynote speaker Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback). We learned lessons in values, teamwork, skill sets, representation, and more.
Each day at the summit had a different theme. Our themes were: “relationships are the foundation for leadership,” “positive risk taking,” and “my character is me.” While our speakers were able to give us insightful words and stories on these themes, we learned just as much from our outdoor experiences as we did from our speakers.
On Tuesday, we focused on relationships and how trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. After hearing from Dick Sullivan and Michael Vick, six participants, including myself, departed for the ropes course while everyone else elected to horseback ride. When we arrived, we immediately had to build a relationship as we picked partners to ascend on a partner climb up a 30-foot wooden ladder. My partner Sam Gibbs from the First Tee of Fort Worth deserves a quick shoutout for putting her trust in me all week from the second we became partners at the ropes course.
On Wednesday, we worked on taking positive risks. My first risk of the day was waking up at 6:30 after a late night to go on a sunrise hike. Let me tell you, the views in Montana were spectacular, it was very much worth the risk of not sleeping in. Later that day I took another risk by going on a 3-hour horseback excursion, by far the longest I had ever been near another animal, besides my dog at home. My biggest takeaway from learning about positive risks were to approach people who think differently than you so you can challenge your own thinking and to seek out your own mentorships.
On Thursday, our final full day at the summit, we did a lot of self-reflection while thinking about how to own our characters. Stacie Monks began the day after another gorgeous sunrise hike. She posed the following question to all the participants. “What type of leader do you want to be?” She went onto discuss how to create a culture when you are leading others and how to empower them. Later that morning we had perhaps the hardest task of the entire summit, but also to me the most impactful. We were asked to complete this phrase. “This is what I believe about myself as a leader…” This wasn’t a simple sentence to complete, and to really answer the question, it required more than just a few sentences. To complete the thought, I had to reflect upon all the things I had been through that week at West Creek. I had to think about climbing with a partner, taking leaps of faith, the inspiration I had received from our speakers and workshops, and what I had learned from all the people around me. Later that evening, we sat around the fire pit as we listened and shared all 18 of us has discovered about ourselves as leaders.
My favorite part of the leadership summit was the comradery all of the participants formed. I got the opportunity to make 17 new friends, who over the course of the week felt like family. I know that I’ll be keeping in touch with them for years and years to come and can’t wait until I can see them again. For me, the week made me feel like a true member of the greater First Tee family. I had never met a fellow participant from outside of Colorado, but now I feel like I’m connected to the First Tee everywhere I go. I can’t wait to stay involved with the program as I go to college and beyond.
I want to thank the First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore and West Creek Ranch staff one final time for giving me what was truly a life changing experience. The programming was phenomenal, and the experiences were irreplicable. I came back home truly knowing what type of leader I am and how I can continue to grow as a leader. I can’t wait to apply what I learned in Montana to our local programs in Denver as well as other extracurriculars I participate in. I feel honored that I was a part of the inaugural summit.
Benjamin Parris, First Tee – Denver
In Denver, I often hear the amazing experiences fellow participants have when they return from First Tee national events. Until the first week of August 2021, I had never experienced one for myself and I was not quite sure what to expect when I was selected for The First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore at Mr. Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana.
As soon as I arrived at the airport, I knew it would be a special week as I was immediately greeted by fellow participants and alumni chaperones. When we arrived at West Creek, even more participants were eager to greet us and introduce themselves. I knew I had formed relationships almost immediately, and those only got better as the week went on.
At the summit, we got to participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, white water rafting, and other spectacular outdoor experiences. Also, during our days, we had the opportunities to listen to guest speakers like Dick Sullivan (CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore), Ralph Stokes (the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Director of Partnership Marketing and former University of Alabama running back), Joe Shepard (a PGA TOUR Superstore Regional Manager), Stacie Monks (a PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager), and our keynote speaker Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback). We learned lessons in values, teamwork, skill sets, representation, and more.
Each day at the summit had a different theme. Our themes were: “relationships are the foundation for leadership,” “positive risk taking,” and “my character is me.” While our speakers were able to give us insightful words and stories on these themes, we learned just as much from our outdoor experiences as we did from our speakers.
On Tuesday, we focused on relationships and how trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. After hearing from Dick Sullivan and Michael Vick, six participants, including myself, departed for the ropes course while everyone else elected to horseback ride. When we arrived, we immediately had to build a relationship as we picked partners to ascend on a partner climb up a 30-foot wooden ladder. My partner Sam Gibbs from the First Tee of Fort Worth deserves a quick shoutout for putting her trust in me all week from the second we became partners at the ropes course.
On Wednesday, we worked on taking positive risks. My first risk of the day was waking up at 6:30 after a late night to go on a sunrise hike. Let me tell you, the views in Montana were spectacular, it was very much worth the risk of not sleeping in. Later that day I took another risk by going on a 3-hour horseback excursion, by far the longest I had ever been near another animal, besides my dog at home. My biggest takeaway from learning about positive risks were to approach people who think differently than you so you can challenge your own thinking and to seek out your own mentorships.
On Thursday, our final full day at the summit, we did a lot of self-reflection while thinking about how to own our characters. Stacie Monks began the day after another gorgeous sunrise hike. She posed the following question to all the participants. “What type of leader do you want to be?” She went onto discuss how to create a culture when you are leading others and how to empower them. Later that morning we had perhaps the hardest task of the entire summit, but also to me the most impactful. We were asked to complete this phrase. “This is what I believe about myself as a leader…” This wasn’t a simple sentence to complete, and to really answer the question, it required more than just a few sentences. To complete the thought, I had to reflect upon all the things I had been through that week at West Creek. I had to think about climbing with a partner, taking leaps of faith, the inspiration I had received from our speakers and workshops, and what I had learned from all the people around me. Later that evening, we sat around the fire pit as we listened and shared all 18 of us has discovered about ourselves as leaders.
My favorite part of the leadership summit was the comradery all of the participants formed. I got the opportunity to make 17 new friends, who over the course of the week felt like family. I know that I’ll be keeping in touch with them for years and years to come and can’t wait until I can see them again. For me, the week made me feel like a true member of the greater First Tee family. I had never met a fellow participant from outside of Colorado, but now I feel like I’m connected to the First Tee everywhere I go. I can’t wait to stay involved with the program as I go to college and beyond.
I want to thank the First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore and West Creek Ranch staff one final time for giving me what was truly a life changing experience. The programming was phenomenal, and the experiences were irreplicable. I came back home truly knowing what type of leader I am and how I can continue to grow as a leader. I can’t wait to apply what I learned in Montana to our local programs in Denver as well as other extracurriculars I participate in. I feel honored that I was a part of the inaugural summit. Thank you to those of you who attended our first Fore the Kids fundraiser at Five Iron Golf featuring Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs
Because of your generosity and support, we raised $27,000 in net proceeds for First Tee Greater Chicago! Moreover, nearly 200 people learned more about our work and our mission.
Through your generous contributions, you have enabled us to use the game of golf as a platform to provide character-building and life skills lessons to tens of thousands of our area young people.
Golf is truly more than a game. As you learned when you heard the stories of Raquel, Ahmad and Roberto, First Tee with its platform of Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits instills values in young people such as honor, integrity, mindfulness, and respect. We are currently reaching 50,000 Chicago area youth on an annual basis through our on-course, in-school, and after-school programming.
If you are interested in getting more involved with First Tee Greater Chicago:
To learn more about volunteering with us, please visit our website or email our Assistant Program Director, Erika Shavers.
Join other young professionals in supporting and building awareness for First Tee through our Ambassadors Council. For more information, please visit contact Jane Seder at [email protected].
Photos from the event will be posted to our social media accounts next week, make sure you follow us to receive all the latest updates!
Special thanks to Ian and Chris Happ and the Happ Family Fund for their support of First Tee Greater Chicago!
With sincere thanks,
Lea Jesse
Chief Executive Officer
First Tee Greater Chicago Congratulations to the six First Tee of Greater Chicago participants chosen to play in The First Tee of Greater New Orleans National Golf Tournament!
We’re excited to announce that six of our participants have been selected to participate at First Tee Greater New Orleans’ National Tournament Sponsored by Hancock Whitney Bank, December 19th through December 21st at Chateau Golf & Country Club!
Ahmad Raoul
Ahmad, 15, has been participating in First Tee Greater Chicago for eight years. A Sophomore at Mount Carmel High School, He is a member of the Varsity golf team, speech team, and robotics team.
Ahmad has played on the Varsity golf team since his Freshman year and was voted Top Rookie as a Freshman; and Low Gross this year.
As a Freshman, he won the St. Rita Freshman Invite at Glenwoodie Golf Course. This year, he advanced to Sectionals missing State by only four strokes.
Ahmad’s favorite core value is perseverance because it can be used both on and off the golf course. “I use it on the golf course because if I am having a bad round, I do not let a score, shot, or hole mess up my game, I have to persevere. In school, I persevere to stay engaged and work hard to maintain my 3.8 GPA.”
“I am excited to return the New Orleans in December and compete in First Tee New Orleans’ National Golf Tournament again. Last year, I was not happy with my results, but still had tons of fun while it lasted. This year, my goal is to improve on my scores from last year, meet and make new friends, and have even more fun than I did last year!”
Madison Miller
Madison, 15, has been a First Tee participant for 5 years. A sophomore at Saint Ignatius College Prep, she has been on the Ignatius golf team for the past two years. Recently she held a spot on the Varsity Girls Golf Team, that won the IHSA Sectionals.
Madison’s favorite First Tee Core Value is perseverance: “The need to persevere has been a constant theme throughout my life. I’ve faced many academic and personal hardships, and sometimes it feels easier to just give up. But I’ve learned to be resilient and not allow my struggles to disable me.”
“I am extremely excited for this opportunity. I don’t get to travel often and I’ve never been to New Orleans. It’ll be nice to escape the harsh winter of Chicago, but best of all, I get to compete in my favorite sport while I’m there. This is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to see what it entails.”
Mallorie Clifton
Malorie, 15, has been in the First Tee program for 4 years. A Sophomore at Marist High School, she plays for both Varsity and Junior Varsity girls golf. Additionally, she plays in many Illinois Junior Golf Association events (IJGA) in the summer.
Malorie’s favorite core value is integrity: “Golf is based off your honesty, and you need integrity to be honest. You can also use it for way more than just golf; you can use it in your everyday life.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to play golf and work on my leadership skills, plus I’ve never been to New Orleans. So, this trip is going to be super fun!”
Tristan Knoll
Tristan, 13, has been a participant with First Tee for five years. He attends Woodland Middle School in Gurnee, IL. He competed for his school at the IESA sectionals for the last two years.
His favorite First Tee Core Value is Perseverance: “When I have a bad hole, I am able to persevere through my mistakes and start fresh on the next tee box.”
“I am very excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it!
Aidan Vazquez
Aidan has been involved in First Tee Greater Chicago program since second grade. He is a sophomore at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. The lessons and values learned in the First Tee program helped him qualify for his high school golf team the past two years.
Aidan’s favorite core value is perseverance: “I’ve had to use this skill in life, school and with my golf game. I was born severely premature, at 25 weeks, and have always had to work harder to catch up to my peers. I had milestones to catch up to with the help of my parents. Also, math has been a bit challenging over the years. Hard work and perseverance have helped me achieve goals. Finally, every time a golfer hits the ball something new happens. Sometimes it’s the best shot of your life, and other times it isn’t. Going up to make that shot with a clear head and knowing I need to keep trying helps me while I play golf. I may not always have the best score, but I try to persevere each time I go out to play a round so I don’t give up and quit. First Tee has helped me with this core value.”
“I was surprised to learn that my coach, Herb Searfoss, nominated me for the opportunity to play at the National First Tee Tournament in New Orleans. I’m proud, and honored, to be recognized for my hard work, dedication, and showing the core values on and off the golf course. This is a chance of a lifetime experience. I look forward to meeting new people and having fun at the tournament.”
Andrew Cadiena
Andrew, 15 years old, is a sophomore at Warren Township High School. Andrew has been playing golf for 8 years and been with First Tee for 7 years. “I recently played at Olympia Fields with a few coaches and competed in the Mini Masters Tournament at Greenshire Golf Course in Waukegan. My lowest score ever achieved was 85 when I played in the Philippines”.
Andrew’s favorite core value is honesty: “I am always up front with people and tell them the truth”.
“I am very excited to go out and play in New Orleans. It will be my first time leaving home to go on a golf trip to compete in a tournament in another state. The warmer weather of New Orleans will be nice to play in, since it is no longer summer in Illinois. I will also get to meet new First Tee coaches and other kids in the program from other states.”
Ahmad Raoul
Ahmad, 15, has been participating in First Tee Greater Chicago for eight years. A Sophomore at Mount Carmel High School, He is a member of the Varsity golf team, speech team, and robotics team.
Ahmad has played on the Varsity golf team since his Freshman year and was voted Top Rookie as a Freshman; and Low Gross this year.
As a Freshman, he won the St. Rita Freshman Invite at Glenwoodie Golf Course. This year, he advanced to Sectionals missing State by only four strokes.
Ahmad’s favorite core value is perseverance because it can be used both on and off the golf course. “I use it on the golf course because if I am having a bad round, I do not let a score, shot, or hole mess up my game, I have to persevere. In school, I persevere to stay engaged and work hard to maintain my 3.8 GPA.”
“I am excited to return the New Orleans in December and compete in First Tee New Orleans’ National Golf Tournament again. Last year, I was not happy with my results, but still had tons of fun while it lasted. This year, my goal is to improve on my scores from last year, meet and make new friends, and have even more fun than I did last year!”
Madison Miller
Madison, 15, has been a First Tee participant for 5 years. A sophomore at Saint Ignatius College Prep, she has been on the Ignatius golf team for the past two years. Recently she held a spot on the Varsity Girls Golf Team, that won the IHSA Sectionals.
Madison’s favorite First Tee Core Value is perseverance: “The need to persevere has been a constant theme throughout my life. I’ve faced many academic and personal hardships, and sometimes it feels easier to just give up. But I’ve learned to be resilient and not allow my struggles to disable me.”
“I am extremely excited for this opportunity. I don’t get to travel often and I’ve never been to New Orleans. It’ll be nice to escape the harsh winter of Chicago, but best of all, I get to compete in my favorite sport while I’m there. This is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to see what it entails.”
Mallorie Clifton
Malorie, 15, has been in the First Tee program for 4 years. A Sophomore at Marist High School, she plays for both Varsity and Junior Varsity girls golf. Additionally, she plays in many Illinois Junior Golf Association events (IJGA) in the summer.
Malorie’s favorite core value is integrity: “Golf is based off your honesty, and you need integrity to be honest. You can also use it for way more than just golf; you can use it in your everyday life.”
“I am so excited for this opportunity to play golf and work on my leadership skills, plus I’ve never been to New Orleans. So, this trip is going to be super fun!”
Tristan Knoll
Tristan, 13, has been a participant with First Tee for five years. He attends Woodland Middle School in Gurnee, IL. He competed for his school at the IESA sectionals for the last two years.
His favorite First Tee Core Value is Perseverance: “When I have a bad hole, I am able to persevere through my mistakes and start fresh on the next tee box.”
“I am very excited to have this opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it!
Aidan Vazquez
Aidan has been involved in First Tee Greater Chicago program since second grade. He is a sophomore at Homewood-Flossmoor High School. The lessons and values learned in the First Tee program helped him qualify for his high school golf team the past two years.
Aidan’s favorite core value is perseverance: “I’ve had to use this skill in life, school and with my golf game. I was born severely premature, at 25 weeks, and have always had to work harder to catch up to my peers. I had milestones to catch up to with the help of my parents. Also, math has been a bit challenging over the years. Hard work and perseverance have helped me achieve goals. Finally, every time a golfer hits the ball something new happens. Sometimes it’s the best shot of your life, and other times it isn’t. Going up to make that shot with a clear head and knowing I need to keep trying helps me while I play golf. I may not always have the best score, but I try to persevere each time I go out to play a round so I don’t give up and quit. First Tee has helped me with this core value.”
“I was surprised to learn that my coach, Herb Searfoss, nominated me for the opportunity to play at the National First Tee Tournament in New Orleans. I’m proud, and honored, to be recognized for my hard work, dedication, and showing the core values on and off the golf course. This is a chance of a lifetime experience. I look forward to meeting new people and having fun at the tournament.”
Andrew Cadiena
Andrew, 15 years old, is a sophomore at Warren Township High School. Andrew has been playing golf for 8 years and been with First Tee for 7 years. “I recently played at Olympia Fields with a few coaches and competed in the Mini Masters Tournament at Greenshire Golf Course in Waukegan. My lowest score ever achieved was 85 when I played in the Philippines”.
Andrew’s favorite core value is honesty: “I am always up front with people and tell them the truth”.
“I am very excited to go out and play in New Orleans. It will be my first time leaving home to go on a golf trip to compete in a tournament in another state. The warmer weather of New Orleans will be nice to play in, since it is no longer summer in Illinois. I will also get to meet new First Tee coaches and other kids in the program from other states.” Abdel Raoul Selected to Attend Coca Cola America’s Future Event
Congratulations Abdel Raoul on being selected to attend the Coca-Cola America’s Future event on September 19 – 22, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Selection Process
This year we received 30 applications from participants around the country. Of that group, 5 semi-finalists of The First Tee have been invited to Atlanta for this wonderful opportunity. Applications were carefully evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Short Answer Essay
- Community, School, and Extracurricular Involvement
- Letter of Recommendation