On the Tee

Happy New Year, Family!

Time to start fresh with new programs! The First Tee of Charlotte will be offering a few new programs to our participants in 2010 as well as some enhancements to what we already have available. We will also be hosting a few Parent Orientations in an effort to keep Parents and Participants downloaded on all the great services that we have to offer. Our schedule through 2010 is available online NOW. Log on to register for any program through December 2010 including the Spring Clinic!

Do you know someone that wants to volunteer with us; well send them our way. We will also be hosting quarterly Volunteer Orientations to continue to build our Caring, Qualified Volunteer Corp!

What do your kids do during Out of School and Teacher Workdays? Well, we want them to spend the day with us!! We are here all day and open to our membership. We now have a Playstation 2, Xbox 360, tvs galore, a computer lab and of course the outdoor practice areas to keep them occupied! So please send your kids to us for the day... Upcoming days available for open days are January 25, February 15 and April 2nd (teacher workdays). As always, we are open each day until dark if participants are interested in coming out to practice! Just give us a call when you want to come by.

How do those grades look? I know we are just getting started, but stay ahead of the curve with some extra help. If your child desires tutoring, let us know and we will arrange for some assistance with a volunteer. Also, our computer lab is open every weekday after school until we close at dark so please utilize our facility!

2009 Year's Accomplishments in Review

2009 was a Banner Year for The First Tee of Charlotte. We thought we would share a few highlights of the year that we were so proud of:

April 2009 - The First Tee of Charlotte opens new Learning Academy at Revolution Park Golf Course

June 2009 - The First Tee of Charlotte serves record number of participants in the Summer Sessions and Wins Third Place as a team at The Southeast Region Invitational Golf Tournament hosted by The First Tee of Augusta, GA

July/August 2009 - Stephen Graddick, IV selected as participant and is honored as The First Tee National Academy's - William J. Powell Outstanding Male Leader in Eugene, Oregon

September 2009 - The First Tee of Charlotte successfully defends the Buddy Exchange Cup during the event hosted at The First Tee of East Lake

October/November 2009 - The First Tee of Charlotte's First Annual Leaders in the Clubhouse Dinner and Speaker Gala raised upwards of $150,000 for the program's operating costs. Fifth Annual Bank of America Invitational Benefitting The First Tee of Charlotte Golf Tournament raises $100,000 for operating costs.

December 2009 - Gilbert Williams, II named to The First Tee Scholars National Class of 2010!

What a Year and we are looking forward to even more Scholars, participants in the National Academy, and retention of our Buddy Exchange Cup in April!

2009 Golf Ball: Season Ending Banquet Winners

Winners of our Annual Golf Ball enjoyed a fantastic event at Extravaganza Depot on December 5th, 2009! Help us in congratulating these deserving Participants in these honors.

The First Tee of Charlotte Chairman’s Award  - Leadership and Service
Stephen Graddick, IV

The First Tee of Charlotte Founder’s Award – Creativity in Leadership and Perseverance in Reaching Goals
Nicholas Borbor

Vincent D. King, Executive Director’s Award – Leadership, Humility and Vision (change physical trophy)
Gilbert Williams, II

Perseverance Award – Persistence in an idea, task, or purpose despite obstacles.
Amanda Nguyen

Judgment Award – Ability to make a sound decision or form an opinion.
Mason Watkins

Responsibility Award – Accounting for one’s own actions and dependability
JP Pate

Honesty Award – The quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive
Nigel Chambers

Integrity Award – Strict adherence to a standard or value of conduct; personal honesty and independence.
Grayson Kocsis & Jack Bickford

Confidence Award – Reliance or trust; feeling of self-assurance.
Nefertiti Allen & Jadda Atkinson

Courtesy Award – Considerate behavior toward others; polite remarks or gestures
Brehan Lee

Respect Award – To feel or show deferential regard or esteem for another.
Joseph Stewart

Sportsmanship Award:
Joshua Steger

SteelFab Best Male Golfer Award – Demonstrated superior golf skills among peers during play.
Sameer Aery, Stephen Graddick, IV, Cameron Spencer, Joshua Steger, Mason Watkins

SteelFab Best Female Golfer Award – Demonstrated superior golf skills among peers during play.
Morgan Pennix

Brandi Edwards, Director of Programs Award - for the individual, organization or institution providing outstanding programming support, participation and partnership to The First Tee of Charlotte:
Jacobsen

Volunteer of the Year:
Herb Althouse & Helen Borbor

Youth Mentor of the Year:
Brett Snyder & Grace Lee Simmons