ELMSFORD, N.Y. (July 31, 2012) – Met Area teens Jacob Cutler, 15, of Bellmore, N.Y., Sarah Gander, 15, of Fairfield, Conn., and Brian Carty of Jamaica, N.Y., all from The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, attended The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy on July 25-31 at Eisenhower Park Golf Course in the Long Island. Cutler, Gander, and Carey were joined by more than 90 other participants of The First Tee, ages 13-17, and participated in this national event.
Gander says her dream is to “work with special needs children and somehow tie it into golf" and that ultimately she wants to "start a program that would include teaching special needs children the basics of golf.” The First Tee Leadership Academy was her first step of her future career path. She hopes her experience at the Academy will be brought back with her to the First Tee so she can share the lessons she learned with her fellow students.
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 outings. Eisenhower Park Golf Course was the site of many of the week's activities.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to host this year’s academy,” said Barry McLaughlin, executive director of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York. “This is the first time the event has been held at a municipal golf course. We are thankful to Nassau County and their patrons for allowing us the opportunity to use their facilities.”
The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy is focused on recognizing and rewarding exceptional young adults for their accomplishments while teaching them valuable skills they can take back to their community. Most of all, the Academy teaches these young people that golf is much more than just a game. The First Tee is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of participants by providing them with the tools they need to be successful on and off the golf course.
For more information about The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, visit www.thefirstteemetny.org.
