Category: Character Education

Jack Polansky: Game Changers Responsibility Award Winner

Jack Polansky

Jack joined the First Tee – Greater San Antonio at 6 years old as a Tiny Tiger. At only 14 years old today, he is one of our youngest Eagle participants. In addition to golf, he plays basketball, runs track, and is involved in PALS at Bradley Middle School. “Jack is a responsible young man whom I can trust to lead a group of younger participants,” said coach Vinny. Jack understands the responsibility it takes to mentor younger participants, but also the maturity to participate in programs with kids much older than him.

We look forward to Jack continuing in our program for the next several years.

Michelle Lee: Game Changers Integrity Award Winner

Michelle Lee

Michelle has been a participant in our First Tee program for three years. At 11 years old, she has already won over 50 junior golf tournaments around San Antonio and beyond. With her 2 sisters, the Lee girls are some of the most hardworking participants we have. With aspirations to play professional golf, Michelle knows that hard work, integrity, and dedication are keys to success. Michelle enjoys reading and watching golf when not playing and she credits her sisters for her fierce competitiveness.

Congratulations Michelle! Well deserved! Keep up the great work!

Armond Walker: Game Changer Respect Award Winner

Armond Walker

Armond joined our First Tee program almost 4 years ago, and right away, he was a leader. It was evident he is a young man with a bright future ahead of him. He respects those around him and loves helping younger participants with their golf swing. As a leader, the respect he has earned with the younger participants resonates. He has aspirations to play professional golf but would be happy to end up as a successful coach of the game with a dream to one day own his own golf academy. Armond loves fishing and occasional video games in his spare time.

Congratulations Armond! Keep leading the way and using the life skills you’ve learned in the program!

Zayden Broadnax-DeBerry: Game Changer Perseverance Award Winner

Zayden Broadnax-DeBerry

Zayden has been a participant in our First Tee program for a year. Zayden is a fitting recipient of this award for his determination and all around positive attitude. He has persevered through obstacles many would consider insurmountable for a young boy. Zayden shows up and gives his best at every class. Zayden also enjoys playing soccer, coding and video games and aspires to be a lawyer when he grows up.

Zayden is an amazing young man who deserve this award! He has exemplified what it means to persevere and lives out this Core Value daily! Congratulations Zayden!

Isabella Coronado – Game Changers Courtesy Award Winner

Isabella Coronado

Isabella is 10 years old and is already a Par level participant! She shows courtesy to those around her, including her classmates and coaches. She is passionate about fitness and is always first to volunteer a warmup activity. She is warm and friendly and wants to continue working hard on her golf game. She loves doing crafts with her sisters and enjoys making new friends through the First Tee.

Congratulations Isabella in earning our Game Changers Courtesy Award! Keep working hard and leaving positive impressions on those around you.

JP Ray – First Tee Alumnus

What happens when you provide free programs? The results are game-changing. 

With support from Southern Hills Country Club, host of this week’s PGA Championship, First Tee – Tulsa provides free character-building programs to everyone who walks through their door. JP Ray is one of many participants impacted by the program.

Riley Lisenbee – Game Changers Honesty Award Winner

Riley Lisenbee

Riley is a fun young man to have at the First Tee. His creativity is evident, and it is no surprise that he enjoys playing the tuba and piano. He dreams of becoming a chef or inventor. His honest approach to practice and building relationships with his peers makes him a fitting recipient of this award. Riley has been a participant for 2 years now.

We are so proud of Riley and all the fun he brings out in everyone. He truly embodies this Core Value Award with his interactions with peers and coaches on and off the course!

Developing Positive Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a great time to check in with yourself and consider how you might be able to support others. 

“Showing up for others means that you are there for someone when they need you,” explained Emma Laker, a participant with First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. “You show kindness by helping others and not just thinking of yourself. You give people the respect they deserve.” 

Mental health challenges can affect anyone – from professional golfers to friends and family. In 2019, a third of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

All of that is to say: If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. 

Be there for your team and ask for help when you need it 

Emma said it feels good to have people she can count on. “It shows me that I am surrounded by friends and family that love me no matter what. I can look up to my friends and family to help me through the rough times,” she said. 

Who is on your go-to team? Maybe it’s family, friends, teachers and coaches. Building strong relationships is one of the best strategies for improving your mental health, according to the CDC. 

Game Changers seek out good groups of people that lift them up and allow them to feel safe to be themselves. 

If you’re feeling alone, there are organizations that can help. 

Talk about your feelings 

It takes lots of courage to speak out about mental health issues you may be facing. By sharing your challenges, you’re not only helping yourself but others, too.  

Recently prominent members of the sports world, from Simone Biles to Michael Phelps, have talked about their own struggles and the importance of destigmatizing mental health challenges. No one should feel embarrassed or scared to acknowledge the difficulties they’re facing. 

Talking about your problems is the best way to find help! Some mental health situations do require bigger interventions, which is why it’s important to talk to adults about how you’re feeling. 

Develop a healthy mindset 

As we’ve all seen over the last few years, there are periods when unexpected challenges appear. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many kids experienced the difficulties that come with virtual school, family financial troubles and even losing loved ones.  

Fortunately, there are ways to help prepare for tough times.  

  • Stay positive: Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly and take a few moments to feel proud of your victories – no matter how small. 
  • Do your best: Giving your best effort helps you realize your capabilities. 
  • Give back: Emma volunteers at her church and school, and it feels amazing, she said. “I realize how extremely lucky and blessed I am to have all the love and support of my family and friends. When I am helping others, I feel like I am giving them some of my joy and happiness.” 
  • Take ownership: It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes but remember that you have control over many of the challenges you face. Practicing problem solving tools like STAR – Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond – can help you feel empowered when future difficulties arise. 

Building Understanding, Trust and Empathy with Active Listening

Every conversation can be an opportunity to learn something new, build trust with someone, and deepen connections. This happens when we build the skill of active listening and learn to treat listening as an active process – not a passive one. 

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It’s about being present, listening to understand (not respond), and showing active interest and engagement in the dialogue.  

Why does it matter? 

Active listening is an important skill for all of us to cultivate. Not only is it an important leadership skill, it has been shown to promote mindful thinking, can reduce anxiety and depression, helps build relationships and can promote empathy.  

How do we practice it?

At First Tee, we use a process called A-L-R to help build connection through active listening. This helps us to deepen conversations, keep them going, and get the most out of them. Here’s how A-L-R works:

  • Asking questions: Asking thoughtful questions is not only a way you can keep the conversation going, but it gives you a deeper understanding of the person or topic you are engaging with. 
    • Helpful Tip: Be curious. Try asking questions that dig a bit deeper: How did they feel in that moment? What was going on in their minds during that experience? What would they do differently the next time? These make the conversation richer, rather than closed-ended questions that are typically answered with a simple Yes or No.  
  • Listening to understand: When you ask a question, it is important to listen carefully to what the person is saying. We can sometimes be fixated on what we are going to say next, or when it’s our turn to jump back into the conversation, but try not to think about what you are going to say next.. Your focus is on them and their perspective rather than your own. 
    • Helpful Tip: Make an effort to try to clear your mind first of any distracting thoughts. It can help to jot down a mental or physical note of things on your mind in order to give your full attention. 
  • Reflect & respond to the reply: Keep the conversation going by responding in a way that connects with what they just said. You can try to restate in your own words what the person said, share what you think or feel about it, or ask another open-ended question that connects with what the person just said.
    • Helpful Tip: Show engagement and interest in what they are saying: look them in the eye when they are talking, use body language like nodding your head.


Active listening requires work, but you’ll be surprised at how much reward there is when you approach conversations and communication with this skill. Active listening is just one of the skills we are supporting kids and teens to build at First Tee. Click here to find out more about our programs.