"We are thrilled for Chris and his tremendous accomplishment," The First Tee of Chicago Program Director Cole Hyland said, "He has worked hard for all five years he's been with The First Tee of Chicago, and really developed into a model participant and a leader in The First Tee community.  Not to mention that he's a great golfer."

Christopher is completing his sophomore year at Lindblom Math and Science Academy, located in the West Englewood neighborhood on the city's South Side. 

"I'm really excited to be selected for this leadership academy.  Ever since I started with The First Tee of Chicago when I was younger, I feel like I've grown a lot as a person.  I've met a lot of great people I never would have met without The First Tee," Christopher said, "I can't wait to go to Kansas State this summer."

The purpose of the academy is to provide The First Tee participants with valuable character education and leadership instruction through The First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum. Highlights of the week include workshops, career exploration seminars, and golf clinics.  Twenty-four coaches will be on hand to provide life skills and golf instruction.   

The theme of this year's academy is SuperSTAR for Life. Each day, participants will learn about various life skills such as self-management, planning and decision-making, interpersonal skills, and helping others. Participants learn about themselves and others during this rewarding experience.  Many of the young people that attend have never flown on an airplane or traveled to another state.  Most have never been away from home and on their own for a week.

The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy recognizes and rewards exceptional youth for their accomplishments and teaches them important mentoring skills they in turn can put into practice at their Chapter.

About The First Tee of Chicago

The First Tee of Chicago was established in 2000 as a local chapter of The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  At the heart of our mission are the Nine Core Values of The First Tee: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment. In 2010, working together with partners in the community such as the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Schools, The First Tee of Chicago will operate programming at golf facilities located on the north and south sides of the city.

# # #