NORTON, Massachusetts (June 8, 2022) – Daniel Sears from First Tee – Massachusetts has been selected as one of 25 Scholars to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program’s Class of 2022. This is the largest class to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf.
Sears will be attending Franciscan University of Steubenville, where he plans to major in philosophy and finance. Active in First Tee – Massachusetts for 11 years, he participates in volunteering and coaching at the Springfield location. He also volunteers in his community, plays soccer, baseball and runs track at his high school. Sears is the founder of Respect for Life Club at his high school, a club that helps spread awareness of injustices that takes away from anyone’s human dignity.
“First Tee has taught me how to most effectively work with others, as well as the importance of swallowing my pride and admitting when I need help or when I do not understand something,” said Sears. “This lesson is very important for me in particular because one of my largest issues for many years had been a struggle with pridefullness. For the longest time, I thought that it was a sign of weakness to ask others for help or that it made me look dumb or not ready to take on the responsibility I had at hand. In my time with First Tee, I have learned that to be the exact opposite of the truth.”
First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to First Tee alumni across the U.S. by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Sears will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide him throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
“I offer congratulations and a warm welcome to our Class of 2022 First Tee Scholars,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “With the support of our donors, we’re able to provide this ongoing support as they matriculate through college and prepare for future careers. These outstanding young leaders have bright futures ahead, and we believe the skills and values developed through First Tee will empower them throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.”
“Danny has been a wonderful asset to First Tee – Massachusetts for many years,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee – Massachusetts. “Danny was a long-time participant at our Fenway Golf location in East Longmeadow, and is now translating that experience over to becoming a terrific coach and mentor for the next generation of Game Changers. We are so proud to have Danny as a representative of our chapter and we know he will do great things as he takes the next steps in his education and his life.”
Applications for the Class of 2022 were received from participants across the First Tee network. Following an online application process, Sears participated in one-on-one interviews and was selected by a national committee. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism, and other criteria.
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission, including 3M, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Astros Golf Foundation, Brendan and Shay Cavanagh, Charles Schwab, Chevron Corporation, David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation, Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, Edward and Lisa Vaughan, Jon Clay, Nelson and Michele Carbonell Family Foundation, Paul and Ruth Flowers, Peter A. Bonanni Scholarship Fund, PURE Insurance, Timothy W. Finchem Scholarship Fund, TruGreen, USSGA Memorial Fund, and Zotec Foundation.
About First Tee — Massachusetts
First Tee — Massachusetts is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — Massachusetts reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at the 8 program locations, as well as several schools and community partner programs around the state. Learn more at www.firstteemass.org.
Media Contact:
Program Manager – Allyson Mollung, 774-430-9100, [email protected]