College Scholarship Awards Party

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 College Scholarship Recipients! We celebrated their awards at the PGA Tour Superstore in Palm Beach Gardens. This year we awarded $37,500 dollars to eight alumni (Pictured above right: The winners with Chapter Directors, staff, and Coaches). From the Broward Chapter, Evan Kicker, became our first scholarship recipient.  He will be attending Indian River State College to study criminal justice. Our grants are generously funded by the Peter G. Helie Family Scholarship and the PGA Tour Superstore’s Teen Retention and DE&I Grants. (Pictured above left: Chapter President and Trustee Greg Thompson holding the big check with Evan.)

Veteran Spotlight: Greg Myer

Greg Myer, U.S. Marine Corps, has been playing golf on and off for the past 10 years, but started taking it more seriously in 2019 when he enrolled in our golf programs.

When talking about his experience in our programs, he said: “The Mission United First Tee program has been a blessing to me, helping keep me active and connected with other veterans.  Learning the game of golf with professional coaches has not only helped to improve my game, but my mental health and resilience.  It is great to get out on the golf course and connect with so many great people.”

Our veterans’ programs are generously sponsored by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

Interested in joining our veterans’ programs?  Please visit our website for more information.

Jahsiah Attend Game Changers Academy

Chapter student Jahsiah Bowie was chosen for the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia. This is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Students selected to attend the academy participated in important conversations involving issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be advocates for justice and social change in their current and future communities. First Tee Game Changers Academy is the ultimate tribute to our former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

Students Have Great Time In Montana And Atlanta

Two of our Chapter students were chosen to attend life-changing trips with our partnership with PGA Tour Superstore. After a 5-week locally led Leadership Series by Superstore General Managers, students are then nominated and chosen for two different Leadership Summits to expand their leadership skills.

David Sandino was chosen to attend the First Tee Leadership Summit in Montana. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of Arthur Blank’s private West Creek Ranch, 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.

Kai Clark traveled to PGA Tour Superstore’s corporate headquarters in Atlanta along with 47 other teens to develop new leadership skills by learning about the powerful impact sports have on community, business and civic pride. The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

Ryan Received The JGA Citizens & Sportsmanship Award

Congratulations to Chapter participant Ryan Shimony for receiving the Junior Golf Association’s Citizens & Sportsmanship Award! This is awarded to the boy or girl of any age who is an outstanding young person in the JGA program. A list of candidates is compiled with recommendations for character, attitude, leadership on and off the course.

Chapter Championship

Breakers West Country Club generously hosted our second annual Chapter Championship. Four person teams from the Treasure Coast, Palm Beaches and Broward Chapters competed in a one best-ball format.

The winning Palm Beaches team players were Wylie Inman, Zoey Shamy, Valentina Guertin, and Angelina Guertin (pictured above left). The Palm Beaches team shot a tournament record score of 65 to edge Broward with a 69 and Treasure Coast with a 76.

The Broward team (pictured above right) included Ryan Shimony, Emilio Katsilometes, Audrey Bacic, and Isabella Rubio.

In the alumni division, Billy Reid posted a 74 to score a 3 shot victory over defending champion Tyler Mistretta and professional golfer Janelle Johnson.

Sponsor Spotlight: DEX Imaging

DEX is the largest & fastest growing independent dealer of office equipment & document-related software solutions in the United States. DEX is committed to making your office equipment the most reliable part of your business, guaranteed. They offer the highest quality products money can buy, and then back them up with lifetime guarantees. As long as your DEX product is serviced under a DEX Equipment Maintenance & Supply Agreement (EMS), your equipment will last a lifetime – They guarantee it!

For more information, contact:

Elias Agelopoulos

954.372.0208

[email protected]

Veteran Spotlight: Steven Henchel

Steven Henchel, U.S. Navy, has been playing golf for the past 5 years and has just started golf programs with our chapter.

When talking about his experience in our programs, he said: “I am so glad that something like this exists. It was such a fantastic opportunity to bond with other service members and really dig in and learn the sport. The coaches were extremely knowledgeable, patient, and attentive. There were so many little things I was able to change about my game, and a few big things that have made a tremendous difference. I went from shooting an average of 135 per game to just under 100. I am very grateful.”

This program is generously sponsored by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

Special Olympics Programs

Coaches Greg Mingo and Robert Ferzoco began teaching our four week program with Special Olympics – Florida this summer. Twelve athletes meet each Thursday for class at the Pembroke Lakes Golf and Racquet Club in Pembroke Pines.

Each participant received a putter, driver, and short iron to practice with to improve their skills outside of class.

This is the third year in a row that we have offered free golf programs to Special Olympic athletes.

Thank you to Spirit Airlines for their continued support of our special needs community.

Special SHOUT OUT to Michelle Leonardo – Manager, Sports Administration of Special Olympics Florida, Broward County.