NORTON, Massachusetts – This year, First Tee is partnering with the PGA TOUR Superstore to host an inaugural leadership summit from August 2-13 at the PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation Board Member Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. The summit is split into two sessions, with the first week running from August 2-6 and the second from August 9-13.
Forty teenagers from across the country have been selected to enjoy a week of dynamic outdoor activities and to continue building upon leadership concepts that were introduced at First Tee Chapters this past Spring. A Massachusetts native is going to be among those heading west later this summer. Christopher Towle (Youth on Course/First Tee) will be attending the Summit during the first week from August 2-6.
The 16-year-old native of Roslindale, a residential neighborhood in Boston, attends Boston Latin High School and has been a part of the First Tee Massachusetts Chapter for 4 years. Towle has been participating in First Tee classes at William J Devine Course at Franklin Park where he has reached Birdie level.
“We are thrilled and thankful that Christopher was selected for this amazing opportunity,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee Massachusetts. “Christopher is a dedicated First Tee participant who has been a positive role model from the start. He has a desire to impact others and improve his personal leadership skills, which we saw during our local Leadership Series.”
Towle, who has participated in Spring, Summer, and Fall programming since joining First Tee became eligible for this opportunity by participating in a Leadership Series with the PGA TOUR Superstores back in February. First Tee Mass was one of 29 chapters across the country to pair with the PGA TOUR Superstores to put on the 5-week long series.
“Getting selected was a huge thing,” Towle said. “I’m very excited about the opportunity. It really does mean a lot, I just feel like I put so much effort in and to see that all pay off is amazing. I’m most excited about being able to go down there in general, that’s kind of the biggest thing is just being there. I was very surprised. I didn’t expect to get selected but when I saw it, it was like wow. It’s very surreal.”
Towle was selected from a competitive group of applicants based on his character, activities chart, letter of recommendation, the quality of his essays and chapter participation survey. Out of 65 applications that were received, Towle was selected as one of 20 finalists individuals to attend from August 2-6.
“Attending this Summit will be an excellent chance for Christopher to continue exploring his own strengths, build relationships with others from around the country, and gain from some unique experiences,” Harris said. “We’re very proud to have him represent our chapter.”
Per a press release from First Tee, the leadership summit is “intended to strengthen participants’ leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities with the intended purpose of personal growth, education, and coming together to make a difference.”
The participating teenagers will be involved in a number of outdoor activities and they will also hear from motivational speakers. Former NFL star and motivational speaker Michael Vick will be a featured guest speaker to interact with the group. PGA TOUR Superstore CEO and President Dick Sullivan will also speak.
Additionally, at the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program and will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout their four-year collegiate experience.
First Tee is a youth development program that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. Learn more at firstteemass.org
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