Three TFTSV Participants Selected for National Opportunities

Thanks to corporate partners and generous donors, The First Tee is able to offer a variety of educational and leadership opportunities for participants each year. These events often become life-changing experiences for our participants as they further develop an awareness of possibilities that surround them. Rishi Ajjarapu and Thai Hoang have been selected to attend the 2019 Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy held July 24-30, 2019 in Boise, Idaho. The purpose is to develop and educate our participants in multiple aspects such as life skill development through engaging golf activities, college preparatory and dorm living, and career exploration, all while having the opportunity to play championship golf and develop lifelong friendships. Through the week they are inspired to consider how they can return to their communities and be a leader and role model for other participants. Rishi said, “I am thrilled to be accepted and I look forward to making new friends and meeting people from across the nation. I am also excited to be given a glimpse of college life at Boise State, I think that this will help me especially when I am applying to colleges in the fall. I hope to learn skills that will make me a better junior coach and leader in my community!” Thai said, “This opportunity is a chance for me to explore new ways to be a leader. I hope to learn new ways to communicate with others while improving my leadership skills.” Rachana Ajjarapu was one of 24 girls selected for the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy held June 24-28, 2019.  She shared, “I’m really excited and grateful to be able to attend this event. I can’t wait to interact with and learn from First Tee girls and professionals outside of Silicon Valley.” This all-girls event will focus on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.  Applicants will be asked to define the people or circumstances that ‘drive’ them to take on a position of leadership and describe how they plan to apply those principles in their life. The academy will take place in the city of San Francisco, where participants will be immersed in both its historic and modern culture. TPC Harding Park, site of the 2020 PGA Championship and 2025 President’s Cup, will serve as the host venue. Coach Matt exclaimed, “We are very proud of our local participants for putting in the hard work to be accepted to these wonderful national opportunities. It will be a great chance for them to advance their interpersonal and self-management skills. We are pleased to have these participants represent The First Tee of Silicon Valley!”