First Tee Career Achievement award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a significant and long-standing commitment to the First Tee Program. Recipients are recognized for their contributions and accomplishments on and off the course, awards & recognitions, as well as, their efforts to inspire and mentor young people.
Riley Yount is our 2023 Recipient. Riley has been involved with the First Tee for eleven years and is an Ace Participant. He is currently a senior at O’Connor High School with a GPA of 4.3, a member of the National Honors Society, and Spanish National Honors Society He is a four-time Varsity Letterman, captain of the golf team and been recognized as Golf All-District & Academic All District honors each of the last three years.
Giving back is a key pillar of First Tee, and Riley is proof of this. In each of the last five years, Riley has volunteered over 100 hours for First Tee Programs and events. He created a mentorship program with Youth on Course and TaylorMade Drive Club providing over 40 youth golfers multiple 9-hole on-course lessons in course management and etiquette. Riley was nominated in 2021 by KENS5 as one of 10 kids selected at “Champions for Change” for his commitment to improve diversity & representation in golf.
Riley’s impressive journey at First Tee is marked by many accomplishments and recognitions, as seen on the presentation, all culminating last year at Pebble Beach as well where he played in the Champions Tour PURE Insurance Championship Master Champion, Mike Weir.
2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023: Game Changer Shootout vs. Austin – 4 Years
2019 & 2023: First Tee National Tournament – New Orleans
2022: Awarded “Judgment” Award at Core Values Luncheon
2021: Inaugural First Tee National Participant Advisory Council
2022: Game Changers Academy honoring Joe Louis Barrow
2023: First Tee National PURE Insurance Championship – Pebble Beach Golf Links
Riley, your achievements in golf, academics, and community service speak volumes about your character and commitment. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the First Tee, and congratulations on all your well-deserved successes. We are excited for the next chapter of your journey, confident that you will continue to make a positive impact wherever you go.
Please join me in congratulating Riley Yount, 2023 First Career Achievement Award Recipient. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.
