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Laura Arellano Attended the 2012 The First Tee Open

Laura, a recent Downey High School graduate and a First Tee participant for the last eight years, was one of two Central Valley participants that competed in the 2012 Champion Tours/ The First Tee Open, July 6-8, in Pebble Beach. Laura and her playing partner, Kirk Triplett, were one of only 22 of the original 81 teams to make the cut and play in the final round Sunday. Laura was featured several times on the Golf Channel along with her playing partner who won the tournament.

"I am still trying to take it all in as it has been truly an amazing experience," Laura commented with excitement. "My expectations of The First Tee Open were far exceeded with all the wonderful events I was able to attend and the friends, coaches, speakers, and players that I had a chance to meet. I enjoyed every minute of it-- Kirk was absolutely remarkable to play with. None of this would have been possible if it were not for the continued support of our community and The First Tee network and my family. I can not thank you enough!"

For those that are not familiar with The First Tee Open, please check out their website for further information at: http://www.thefirstteeopen.com.

Anthony Bonales Attended the 2012 The First Tee Open

"In all honesty, having the opportunity to play in The First Tee Open has been the single greatest experience I have had in my life so far. Getting to play Pebble Beach Golf Course (not once, but twice!) was an experience in itself. Making new friends with the other participants from all over the country is definitely at the top of my list. I also enjoyed playing with Champions Tour player Jim Gallagher and learning from him. One of my fondest memories was having the participants from our chapter watch me play and cheer for me on Saturday. I can not thank The First Tee enough for giving this wonderful experience that I will truly remember for the rest of my life." -Anthony Bonales

(Photo: Anthony with his teammate, golf professional Jim Gallagher, Jr.)

Blake Attended the Hank Haney IJGA in June

"I was nervous yet excited to attend the Hank Haney International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) last month. The Hank Haney IJGA provided the opportunity for me to blend together all the skills and values that I have been learning through The First Tee and further apply them to golf and to life. The Academy helped me grow as a person. I can't thank those involved enough for allowing me to have this great experience: my family and friends, the Hank Haney IJGA and trainers, The First Tee, selection committee, and most of all, our chapter. This opportunity may have only lasted one week, but the things I learned, the people I met, and the memories that I made will stay with me for the rest of my life." - Blake Houser

Johnathan Dallas Attended the Life Skills & Leadership Academy

Johnathan attended The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy in Long Island in July. Dallas joined more than 90 other participants of The First Tee, ages 13-17, to participate in this national event. "I am so grateful that I was chosen to attend the Life Skills and Leadership Academy in New York," commented Johnathan. "It helped me broaden and extend the skills I have already attained through The First Tee."

The Academy, hosted by Nassau County, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, Hofstra University and Eisenhower Park Golf Course, provided participants with valuable character education and leadership instruction through interaction with more than 24 coaches. The week-long event featured workshops, career exploration seminars, golf clinics and activities.

The First Tee Junior Council & Mentors

The Junior Volunteers in our program serve as mentors and help with younger participants as they learn the game of golf and experience the meaning of life skills utilized by the older maturing participants. Our Junior Volunteers find it rewarding to give back to the program. Laura said, “It’s really fun to help the kid’s with everything I was taught through The First Tee program.” Thank you to all our Junior helpers!

Download Junior Volunteer Application by clicking the download button below

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Laura Arellano Attended the 2012 The First Tee Open

Anthony Bonales Attended the 2012 The First Tee Open

Blake Attended the Hank Haney IJGA in June

Johnathan Dallas Attended the Life Skills & Leadership Academy

The First Tee Junior Council & Mentors

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