Tag: Golf

Riley Yount Receives First Tee Career Achievement Award 2023

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.

Jack Polansky is receiving the Game Changer of the Year Award for 2023

As a sophomore at Churchill High School and the top-ranked golfer on the team, Jack’s dedication to his sport and academics is evident. His 4.1 GPA reflects his commitment to excellence in his studies, while his position as an ACE participant in First Tee showcases his dedication to personal growth.

Jack’s leadership qualities shine through his actions. Despite managing multiple responsibilities including school, golf, and volunteering, he approaches each task with determination, passion, and purpose. In 2023, Jack volunteered over 150 hours not only in summer camps and programming sessions providing mentorship to the younger participants, but also picking range balls in the evenings at the First Tee Driving Range.  

Jack was accepted through an application process by First Tee National to attend the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, focused on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. He attended the First Tee National Championship in New Orleans in December.  He has played locally in all four Game Changer Shootouts, a Ryder Cup Style Event vs. Austin.

He was recently accepted into the PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership Program) in High school which provides guidance and mentoring for peers and younger children to help develop their self-esteem, drug-awareness and social skills.

Your impact on your peers, community, and the sport of golf is truly commendable, and we look forward to your continued success in the future. Congratulations on winning the 2023 Game Changer of the Year Award. 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.