Palm Beach’s First Tee: Impacting our community
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. —
VALENTINA WINS SFPGA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Huge congratulations to Chapter student Valentina Guertin. She won the 2023 SFPGA Player of the Year in the 13-18 age division. She played in 11 SFPGA events and scored a total of 1,621.50 points to win the award. Valentina’s goal is to play D1 college golf.
FRANKLIN ACADEMY FALL SCRAMBLE
Students from the Franklin Academy visited Dyer Park for a Fall Scramble. Parents and kids enjoyed a great time going “fore” it on a beautiful fall afternoon at the Finnegan Learning Center. Franklin Academy is a long-time partner of our Chapter and we offer after-school programs throughout the year.
5+ YEARS GOING STRONG AT JOHN PRINCE
The special needs classes at John Prince Golf Learning Center have been in full swing for well over five years with a volunteer staff and LPGA Master Professional, Nancy Stuart.
The special needs students are creating a new family of friends and finding the game to be rewarding and fulfilling both mentally and physically.
Through First Tee, these students have many opportunities available to them because of their involvement with our organization.
“Xavier has been in the program for the past 5 years and the confidence he has acquired from his golf skills has also transferred over into his basketball and bowling skills,” said Coach Nancy. “He is a team player and talks about his coaches and team members all the time.”
CONGRATS TO COACH GLEN BEAVER’S STUDENTS
Congratulations to chapter students Sydney Rogers and Annika Collado on their recent recognitions. Sydney is a Pathfinder Nominee for math and Annika earned the College Board National Hispanic Recognition.
Pathfinders is one of the largest and most comprehensive high school scholarship programs in the state. It is an equitable and democratic award, extending eligibility to all public and private high schools in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
The National Recognition Program is a tangible way to recognize the academic achievements of rural areas/small towns, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and first-generation students.
FIRST FULL YEAR WITH SAIL
Our SAIL special needs class nailed their last session, marking a year of remarkable progress in their golf game. Here’s to new beginnings and even more impressive swings in the coming year! SAIL stands for Self-Advocacy for an Independent Life.
Keeping Up With Alumni
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: COREY STURGIS
Chapter alumni and former coach Corey Sturgis is now excelling as an Admissions Counselor for Everglades University. Corey is changing the lives of many students utilizing his confidence and leadership skills to excel in his career.
According to Corey, “First Tee helped me become well-respected by continually displaying integrity and good judgment both on and off the golf course.”
Corey will also have completed his Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida in May 2024. We are proud to hear that Corey continues to be a Game Changer by demonstrating his passion for education.
Stay Involved
THANK YOU SCOTCH AND SHARKS
Chapter Program Director Zack Anderton and Director of Operations Darrell Bock, PGA attended the end-of-year event for the Scotch and Sharks organization. It was an amazing event with food, drinks, and live music for their community partners, and to announce their end-of-year donations. Scotch and Sharks surprised us with an incredible $15,000 donation!
Scotch & Sharks host events to cultivate relationships and let business flow organically. Loosen up the tie, or even better lose it altogether. Scotch & Sharks is by invitation only and proudly entertains South Florida’s executives and professionals who align with our values: Community. Integrity. Comradery.
WEST PALM BEACH 100 PARTNERSHIP
Chapter staff, students, and Directors attended the West Palm 100 event at Drive Shack. West Palm 100 is a social and civic organization comprised of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to supporting West Palm Beach’s children, families, and neighborhoods through the donation of time, money, and people power. They host a monthly ‘Happy Hour for a Cause’ at various West Palm Beach establishments, with the proceeds donated to our monthly local charity of choice. The event and raffle raised over $1,000 to support our mission and programs.
PGA TOUR IS COMING TO TOWN
Our local PGA Tour event held at PGA National is right around the corner from February 29th through March 3rd. We have a new sponsor.
“I would like to give a warm welcome to Cognizant as the new title sponsor of this historic golf tournament,” said Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Marino. “PGA National has hosted this fan-favorite and family-friendly event for almost 17 years and has seen some fabulous finishes. As a resident and member of PGA National and the District 1 County Commissioner, I invite everyone to the new Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. After all, Palm Beach County is the golf capital of the world.”
ENTER THE PEBBLE BEACH RAFFLE
Help us support the thousands of children and veterans we serve each year. Our Pebble Beach Raffle features a chance to win a trip to play Pebble Beach! For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 4, 2024.
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