ELMSFORD, N.Y. (June 15, 2012) - The First Tee of Metropolitan New York congratulates Robert Mazziotti of Westbury, N.Y., on being named a semifinalist for the 2012 RBS Achievers of the Year award. For his efforts, he will receive a $3,000 scholarship to help fund his post-secondary education.

Mazziotti, 18, who has been a GOLFWORKS intern at Eisenhower Park for the past three years, is a participant at The First Tee of Nassau County, has a big heart and even bigger will to do what is right. His mother was diagnosed Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2008 and her wish was to stay home and spend as much of her remaining time with her family. While a medical aid assisted in her care during the day, Bobby, his brother, and his father cared for her at night.

In 2010, Bobby used his leadership skills and led a team of first tee participants in building of a deck at The First Tee of Nassau County. The deck is now utilized as an outdoor teaching facility and event space. In August 2011, the chapter dedicated the deck in memory of his mother naming it “Betsy’s Backyard.”

“The RBS Achievers of the Year Award provides a unique opportunity for The First Tee to highlight some the exceptional stories of deserving participants within our network,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee. “Their remarkable ability to overcome challenges is nothing short of extraordinary. We are extremely grateful to RBS for making this event a special and memorable experience for The First Tee participants.”

The presentation of the award took place at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, near the site of the 112th U.S. Open at The Olympic Club, and was attended by Jack Nicklaus and representatives from The First Tee, RBS, Golf Channel and the United States Golf Association.

Created by The Royal Bank of Scotland, the RBS Achievers of the Year Awards recognize deserving participants of The First Tee for accomplishments in their daily lives while overcoming difficult circumstances. The scholarships are not based on academic performance or exceptional golf skills, but rather reward young people who exhibit The First Tee Nine Core Values™ while demonstrating leadership, community service and teamwork.