Chapter student Melvin Watson and Broward student David Sandino were selected for the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., presented by Amazon Web Services, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches.
The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities. The academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.
About the trip, Melvin said, “Thank you to First Tee – Palm Beaches for nominating me and believing in me. I was nervous to meet new people, but when I arrived, there were so many genuine First Tee students and coaches. I met four of my new best friends Lily McGowan (First Tee – Greater Sacramento), Jules Mahan, (First Tee – Greater San Antonio) Isabella Herrera (First Tee – Silicon Valley), and Benjamin Wade (First Tee – Tennessee). Also, my chaperone Matthew was a great mentor throughout the trip. I had loads of fun and great conversations with them. I appreciate them for letting me be myself and being themselves around me as well. I am just getting started but I have more things I want to achieve in my life. This opportunity inspired me to keep going.”
Check out the academy recap video.
