Vicky Stephens: Faces of the First Tee January 2020

January 7, 2020 – Albert Einstein once said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” In the same way as Albert Einstein, if I were not a golfer, I would probably be a musician.  Although I am better known as a golfer, music has been a colossal part of my life, even before I picked up a golf club.  Music started to become a very important part of my life and help me grow as a person during my early childhood. Being taught an abundance of Spanish nursery rhymes as a toddler, I took an interest in music. I loved the way music could boost my mood at any moment and could move my feet at ease. I was fortunate enough to be raised bilingual and I was able to be exposed to both American music and Latin American music, with a specific focus on Argentine culture. Later on in life, I moved to Houston, Texas and Barranquilla, Colombia. During this time music was the most positive influence that helped me with learning and adjusting to new territory. Music was always able to take me back in time and be my best friend during difficult times. Music is still my very best friend to this day; it picks me up through rough patches. Despite the fact that being able to create music gave me life, a few years later, golf, as well as The First Tee, was introduced to me. I use many of the core values from both golf and The First Tee, such as perseverance and judgment. Not only has both golf and The First Tee led me into becoming a better person, golf has led me to amazing opportunities, for example: interacting with professionals such as Jason Day, Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth, and Sergio Garcia at the Zurich Classic, achieving high school MVP as a Freshman and attending the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head, SC. Both Music and golf have shaped me into being the person I am today and I am forever grateful for both gifts. Faces of the First Tee portraits: New Orleans Snapshots by Andrew J. Cohoon

Kobe Narcisse: Faces of the First Tee December 2019

December 6, 2019 – My name is Kobe Narcisse.  I have been playing golf since I was six.  Seeing my father tee off captured my interests and I have been hooked ever since. I have been involved with the First Tee Program for 7 ½ years.  I have had many accomplishments in my life but only a few really stand out.  I am currently a sophomore in high school and I am maintaining my grades while playing football and golf for my high school teams. One accomplishment that stands out to me was being able to start on the varsity football team as a sophomore playing middle linebacker.  I am surrounded by many great players and people on the football field.  At the end of the season, I led the team in tackles, which was another big accomplishment for me.  With my busy football schedule, I still was able to get out on the golf course. The First Tee Program is big part of my life.  This spring, I applied for a First Tee National Opportunity and I was selected as the winner of the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together contest.  For the essay, I wrote about the Nine Core Values (Courtesy, confidence, integrity, judgment, respect, responsibility, perseverance, sportsmanship, honesty) and how I live my life to uphold these ideals, helping my community in anyway I can and what a role models means to a person in life.  This contest was a big deal for my because I got a chance to go to North Carolina for free and play 18 holes with a golfer of my choice. When I arrived in Charlotte, North Carolina, we were shuttled to our huge hotel and was greeted by many friendly faces. Soon after, we attended a banquet, where I met many famous and courteous people.  This was where I was able to select the professional golfer that I would play with in the Pro Am the next day.  Before they called me up onto the stage to hear my choice, they played an amazing video of me and my First Tee Chapter. After the video ended, the moment of truth arrived, I chose one of my favorite golfers of all time, Jason Day! The next day my family and I rode to Quail Hollow Club in tinted SUV, where we had a huge buffet breakfast.  I felt as if I was an actual professional golfer.  Later, I met Jason Day and we walked together to the first tee box. My heart was pounding as I walked up to tee my golf ball up because of the crowd standing behind me. I kept calm and went through my routine and crushed the first drive right down the fairway! After that first shot, my day was much more relaxed and I had such a great time.  Jason was such a nice guy and great golfer that gave me tips and tricks as we played our round on a professional level course.

Mallory Noble: Faces of the First Tee November 2019

November 7, 2019 –  My name is Mallory Noble and I am a junior attending Belle Chasse High School. I have an older and a younger brother that both in the program as well. I started golf when I was 10 years old. This is my 6th year being in The First Tee and I enjoy it so much. I have made so many new friends and have had so many great opportunities through The First Tee. I have played in the Ladies Junior Pro-am twice and both times have been a great experience. I have played in a few tournaments with the First Tee and some outside of it. I have played high school golf freshman and sophomore year and I am planning on playing for my junior and senior year. There were 3 girls on our team, including me. One of my top accomplishments in my golfing career this far was my score at Regional Tournament my sophomore year in high school. I shot the lowest score in the history of Belle Chasse High School for the girl’s golf team. Even though we did not make it to state, we made some unforgettable memories. My other accomplishments for school and golf; my freshman and sophomore year, I received multiple awards for golf, academics and in both years, I lettered in golf. This school year I am a new member of the Mu Alpha Theta club which is a mathematics honor society. When I was at Belle Chasse Middle School, I tried out for Talented Visual Arts (TVA) in 6th grade and made it in at 7th grade. I have been in the class ever since and I absolutely love it. TVA is a special class for the talented, like talented music, theater, dancing, and people with an artistic ability. My passion in TVA is having an artistic ability. Over the years I have gathered stacks of art that I have made and my favorite so far is a lion I did. This piece is my favorite because of the technique I used and it’s textured. The lion piece is made out of melted crayon.  

Morgan Guepet: Faces of the First Tee September 2019

Morgan Guepet is a 13 year old that recently started 8th grade. When she was five, she would go watch her dad play golf at Lakewood Golf Club. After going with her dad for a couple of years, she grew a love for the game. At the age of seven, she started practicing and learning the game of golf. It didn’t take long for Morgan to start playing in competitive junior golf tournaments. Morgan has competed in many different golf tournaments, such as US Kids Golf Tour (local, state, and regional), Kelly Gibson Junior Tour, AJGA, Work Championships, and The First Tee of Greater New Orleans Regional and National Tournaments. Her favorite part about golf is meeting new people and The First Tee allows her to do just that. Morgan says “When you play golf, you can put all your troubles away and just have fun. None of the other sports even come close to how much I love golf – it’s is a great game that can bring you beautiful places and meet great people.” When Morgan isn’t playing golf, she loves to play basketball, football, volleyball, and any other sport that takes place outdoors. In addition to golf, Morgan is very competitive when it comes to playing sports with her dad. She loves playing basketball games like H.O.R.S.E. or one-on-one games. She also loves football and is an avid New Orleans Saints fan. “When I’m not playing sports, I like to hang out with my friends. Another great thing about golf is it has allowed me go to great schools. For the past 8 years I went to Edward Hynes Charter School, and this year I’m going to St. Martin’s Episcopal School. They have done so much for me to get into that school because of golf and I’m so excited to start. A lot of this wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of The First Tee.” Morgan says her goals were to compete in Drive, Chip & Putt at Augusta, finish top 5 at Pinehurst, play college golf at Duke University, and then join the LPGA Tour. So far, two of her goals have come true. In 2016, she competed in the Drive, Chip & Putt at Augusta National; she finished tied for 2nd. Morgan said, “It was the most fun experience ever.” One year later Morgan went on to finish top 5 out of 106 golfers at the US Kids World Championships in 2017. Morgan’s goals are mostly the same, except she’s recently added that she wants to get the chance to play with Brooke Henderson – her favorite golfer along with Justin Rose and Brooks Koepka.  

The Faces of The First Tee August 2019 Chase Gauthier

Chase GauthierFaces of The First Tee

Swim Like a Fish It’s summertime, so there’s a good chance that July’s Face of The First Tee, 7-year-old Chase Gauthier is in a swimming pool somewhere in the United States. Chase LOVES to swim. He swims competitively for the Ellington Orcas Swim Team in Luling and has also been a member of the Terrytown Storm Swim Team. He enjoys taking vacations with his family and friends to explore new places, and no doubt, swimming pools. We are fortunate that when this fish is out of the pool, he spends his time on land with The First Tee. Chase has been a member of The First Tee program for 3 years. He was a 5-year-old when his parents learned about The First Tee and decided to enroll him and his then 6-year-old sister Brooklyn. “My husband and I never learned to play golf,” says Chase’s mother Jare Gauthier. “We figured by letting Chase and Brooklyn play golf, it would inspire us to learn to play and golf could be a lifelong family activity.” Chase lives in Waggaman with his family and attends The First Tee at Bayou Oaks in City Park or TPC Louisiana. “Chase loves exploring the different golf courses and learning from his awesome coaches at The First Tee,” says Jare. More than golf, Chase’s parents appreciate the character development they’ve seen in their child. “My husband and I have seen the Nine Core Values change Chase’s academic performance and relationships with his peers. He is a strong and confident child who is willing to help others whenever he can.” An entering 2nd grader at Ray St. Pierre Academy for Advanced Studies, where he is an A/B Honor Roll student, Chase also plays basketball and piano and enjoys reading and being a member of the Cub Scouts. He’s learning about STEM related activities and wants to pursue an education in engineering so he can be an engineer or a chemist like his father. “We are so happy for this program as Chase is not only learning to play but he is also learning lifelong values in sportsmanship and conduct that are applicable to any situation. We are excited about what The First Tee has taught Chase and we look forward to the future!”    

The Faces of The First Tee June 2019 Yahya Ayyad

Yahya Ayyad

Sunshine and smiles warm hearts at summer camp                    June’s selection for The Faces of The First Tee is aptly timed as he was a fixture in last year’s The First Tee Summer Camp. Yahya Ayyad spent the better part of 2 months with The First Tee fellow campers, counselors, and coaches at one of last year’s Summer Camp partner locations, Timberlane Country Club. Yahya’s joyful demeanor especially warmed the hearts of his councilors and coaches. “Yahya has the most infectious smile, and he absolutely fell in love with the game of golf this summer. Happy-go-lucky by nature, Yahya is the type of kid you want to have around. He lightens the mood in any room,” says former Director of Education, Perry Faulkner. Perry is not alone in his feeling about Yahya’s winning attitude. According to Rose Hindi, Yahya’s mother, “Yahya is one of the sweetest boys you can meet! He can be shy sometimes, but once you get to know him, he can be a handful!” As demonstrated in his “Faces” portrait, Yahya’s passion is playing soccer. He takes his soccer ball everywhere he goes. At Summer Camp, The First Tee coaches and counselors helped him practice his goal shots, and according to mom, his game improved. “This is his first year at this camp and he absolutely loved it! He comes home and tells me how friendly the councilors were and how they would play anything with him. He would rather stay at camp then go on a vacation,” says Rose. Of course, The First Tee Summer Camp wouldn’t be complete without a little golf. Yahya learned the basics of the game and was inspired to practice more often. “He is a tremendous asset to The First Tee, and I believe he will be a mentor coming up the pipeline,” Perry. “I personally want to thank The First Tee for giving my son the best summer,” says Rose. We couldn’t ask for a better endorsement. Thank you, Yahya and Rose!

ABOUT THE FACES OF THE FIRST TEE

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!  

The Faces of The First Tee May 2019 Julieta Chauvin

Julieta Chauvin

Dad Dotes on Deserving Daughter By: Kenny Chauvin A few years ago, my wife and I were deciding which sport we wanted to introduce to our daughter, Julieta Rivera Chauvin. We chose golf for several reasons. Our family has a long history playing golf, and we figured it would be another activity that we could do together. We also wanted to pick a sport that reinforces the values of hard work and sportsmanship. We thought that if Julieta liked the game, it would be a sport she could play and enjoy for a lifetime. When we learned about The First Tee, we decided to give it a try. We have not been disappointed! Julieta is an outgoing person who loves helping others. As a result, she has many friends. She is a 5th grader at Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans, a French immersion school, and is now fluent in the language. Julieta can also speak Spanish as learned from her Spanish speaking mother Florecita. She dreams of traveling the world to help children. Her long term-goal is to attend medical school so that she can become a pediatrician to “help children get over their sicknesses like her doctor does for her.” In the meantime, Julieta is a piano lesson veteran of four years. One Saturday a month, she attends NOLA STEM where she enjoys fun, engaging, and hands-on ways of learning. Julieta also enjoys participating on her school’s cross country team. A New Orleans native, Julieta lives conveniently close to Audubon Golf Course, where she attends the Life Skills Experience. Golf compliments Julieta’s love of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and nature watching. We know the value of achieving athletic goals through dedication, practice, and hard work. These values can be applied to everyday life. Since Julieta has started The First Tee, we have noticed a change in her attitude and her work ethic. We can see her adapting and utilizing the Nine Core Values in other areas of her life, like her school work and the way she interacts with others. We hope this will help lead to success in whatever Julieta has planned for her future.  

ABOUT THE FACES OF THE FIRST TEE

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

The Faces of The First Tee April 2019 Matthew Bui

April 2019 Face of THe first tee Matthew Bui

in his own words

My name is Matthew Bui and I am a sophomore at Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy. I love learning about the world and different cultures. I would have to say geography and history are my favorite subjects. I am involved in the Key Club at my school because I believe that it is important to be active in my community and give back as much as I can. I am also a member of St. John Bosco’s youth group and participate in various volunteer activities and spiritual retreats. I believe my faith and my family will help me achieve my goals of becoming a successful entrepreneur. My father is the person who has been most influential in my playing golf. He is the one who introduced me to golf at the age of 7, and I couldn’t be any happier that he did. I have grown and learned so much over the last couple of years because of the game. What I love most about golf is the competitive nature and getting to meet so many diverse people at tournaments. The First Tee is a big part of my life because it has taught me more than just how to play golf. It has also taught me about patience and discipline. When I am not playing golf, I enjoy playing baseball and soccer. Being outdoors is my comfort zone. On the weekend I enjoy hanging out with my friends and spending some quality time with my family. I would not have made it this far in my golf career without the support of my family and friends. “Matt is a driven young man He is a talented golfer and a workhorse. He devotes many hours to perfecting his game and does it all with a smile on his face. Matthew’s love for the game is clear, and he will continue to enjoy it wherever it may take him,” former Director of Education Perry Faulkner.  

About The Faces of the first tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:

  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

The Faces of The First Tee March 2019 Piper Hall

Faces of The First Tee Piper HallWhere To Begin…

Step Aside Elon, Here’s Piper Hall 
We are not sure if Piper Hall is aware that there are only 24 hours in a day. In fact, we’re not totally convinced that she hasn’t invented a couple of extra hours that she keeps hidden from the rest of us whilst waiting for the patent. Piper’s list of activities and achievements is, in a word, prodigious. Currently an eighth grader in the gifted program at Boyet Junior High School, Piper is a member of:
                • the National Junior Honor Society
                • the 4-H Club
                • the Academic Olympics Team
                • the MathCounts Team
                • and is a Cadette Girl Scout
Piper is also a student in the St. Tammany Parish Public Schools Talented Arts Program with a concentration in both Visual Arts and Theater. Affirming her chops, triple threat Piper was cast in the lead role of Slidell Little Theatre’s production of Annie in the fall of 2018. Piper is a highly decorated competitor in the STEM-driven For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) LEGO League. In a male-dominated field, she was part of an all-female team who took first place at the state level in December 2018. The team also received the FIRST LEGO League Global Innovation Award for inventing a consumable to reduce the effects of radiation on astronauts while in space. She will travel to Houston in April to compete against 70,000 people from around the world – plus 1,300 robots – at the 2019 FIRST Championship. As a Cadette Girl Scout, Piper earned the Silver Award (with fellow First Tee participant Ariana Blagrove) in April of 2018. The award is the highest a Girl Scout can earn, and is given for completing a multi-step, generative community service project. Piper’s troop collected and distributed donations for several homeless shelters in New Orleans and learned about shelter operations and their dependence on the community. To complete the project, Piper’s troop helped plan and build a vegetable garden at a homeless shelter in Lacombe. I don’t know about you, but I made a delicious smoothie for breakfast this morning and felt accomplished. And with all of her spare time, Piper plays golf! She is a Birdie Level player beginning her fourth year as a member of The First Tee. “Golf challenges Piper,” says Piper’s mother Jennifer Roth. “She is extremely methodical in just about everything she does and she plays golf no differently.” Her family credits golf with her new-found perseverance and confidence. “Learning golf through the First Tee of Greater New Orleans has really helped Piper’s confidence both on and off of the golf course. If The First Tee had not started programming on the Northshore, Piper would not have started playing golf. We are thankful that The First Tee is a part of her life and for all of the opportunities that they’ve offered her.” Piper spends much of her free time sketching, creating digital characters on her laptop, and playing Roblox with her friends. Her long-term goal is to earn a scholarship to apply her drawing and math skills toward a degree in architecture or interior design. Last, but not least, Piper LOVES cats and dotes on her 2 furry felines, ChiChi and Marty. A fellow feline fanatic, I believe it is this defining characteristic that qualifies her genius. Meow, Piper.

About The Faces of the first tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:

  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

The Faces of The First Tee February 2019 Angelo Fassbender

February 2019 Face of The First Tee Angelo Fassbender

We’re sold – Hook, Line, and Sinker

“Mom do you ever dream about fishing?” While Angelo Fassbender’s mother may not have been able to answer her son’s sincere question in the positive, her son emphatically can. Angelo Fassbender is a 12 year old fish enthusiast – and not just the sport, but the food. An Asian cuisine gourmand, the 6th grade amateur angler is a sushi aficionado who also dreams of visiting Japan. Like every other person who would rather be fishing, Angelo regularly watches the daily weather and fishing report. Freezing offshore temps will not deter his ardor. He enjoys watching fishing videos for tips and tricks (somewhere above, Frank Davis smiles). “He would give up anything to go fishing. He goes to bed and wakes up talking about his next fishing adventure,” says mom Raquel. In August, he caught his first Crevalle jack fish off the sea wall in Lake Pontchartrain. Most of the time, Angelo fishes inland with his father. If he can’t go out in the boat, any pier will do. When is’t not fish, it’s football, school, and golf! Angelo played quarterback for his 5th and 6th grade school team, and recently wrapped up his first year of flag football, where he developed a unique play. “Angelo is very active and loves to compete both athletically and academically. Maintaining a high GPA is very important to Angelo, so we don’t have to push him,” says Raquel. It makes sense that Angelo’s competitive determination caries over to his golf game. Director of Education Perry Faulkner states, “Angelo Fassbender is all business on the golf course. Working with Coach Oscar Pickett at a young age allowed Angelo to develop into a fierce competitor.” But don’t confuse Angelo’s competitive nature with his character. Raquel attributes Angelo’s compassion towards others and self-discipline to his Christian upbringing, reinforced by the Nine Core Values taught by The First Tee. A Birdie Level player, Angelo has been with The First Tee of Greater New Orleans for 5 years. “Having been taught these values so young has helped Angelo become aware and observant of his character,” says mom. “He is a leader, and we consistently talk about how to handle challenges.” Angelo is willing to share this insider tip – those that sit at the sushi bar get the best service…

The Faces of The First Tee January 2019 Vivian Volion

January 2019 Face of The First Tee Vivian Volion

Tenacious 6th Grader Sets Big Goals At first meeting, Vivian Volion is quiet, sweet, and squeezably cute. At second meeting, Vivian is quiet, sweet, and squeezably cute. What The First Tee coaches know about Vivian that some may not is that lying beneath that precious exterior is a scrappy spirit with lofty aspirations. A 12 year old, Birdie Level 6th grader at Visitation of Our Lady, Vivian has been playing golf with The First Tee for 2 1/2 years, where she enjoys helping younger novices with their foray into the program. Vivian lists Phil Michelson and Jordan Spieth as favorites, both of whom have given her coveted golf balls. A relative beginner, Vivian has impressively qualified for The 2019 U.S. Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst, the largest and most prestigious event in the world for players 12 and under, attracting over 1,450 participants from across the U.S. and more than 51 countries abroad. One of her short-term goals is to improve her game to one day qualify for that pie in the sky, the PGA’s Drive, Chip, and Putt competition preceding the Master’s in Augusta. Another short-term goal is to earn straight A’s in school. All of this is in preparation for her long-term goals to earn a scholarship to play collegiate golf, and then enjoy life as a Pro. “Vivian has that fire you see in most competitive golfers at the highest level. The last few years have seen her progress from learning golf’s fundamentals to playing with a determination to break par each and every round. It is very clear Vivian has what is takes to get her game to the top,” says former First Tee Director of Education Perry Faulkner. In addition to golf, Vivian practices Karate, where she has earned a purple belt (intermediate level before brown and black belt). True to form, Vivian is determined to become a black belt. She is a self-proclaimed lover of country music, art, and dance. When not kicking butt on the golf course and in the dojo, Vivian can be found spending time with her family or attending the youth program at her church. She loves animals and will be getting a new puppy in a few weeks, a well deserved reward. Shoot for the stars, Vivian!  

ABOUT THE FACES OF THE FIRST TEE

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

The Faces of The First Tee December 2018 Wyatt and Wynston Rownd

December 2018 Faces of The First Tee Wyatt and Wynston Rownd

The Rownd brothers drive forward in the face of adversity

December’s Faces of The First Tee are brothers, each living with unique challenges at the hands of a merciless disease – one brother, the diagnosed, and the other, a supportive care taker and friend. In March of 2018, 9 yr old avid athlete Wynston Rownd attended his introductory First Tee Player class at Grand Ridge in Luling, LA, where the Rownd family resides. In tow was Wynston’s then 12 year old brother, Wyatt. Class began as usual, except Coach Perry Faulkner noticed that Wyatt didn’t join his younger brother on the golf course. He stayed off to the side of the green and remained seated to watch. Coach Perry approached Wyatt and asked him if he wanted to join the class, an invitation Wyatt readily and enthusiastically accepted. As Wyatt stood up and walked to join the others on the putting green, Coach Perry noticed that his gait was slow and a bit labored. What Coach Perry didn’t know at the time was that as a 13 month old, Wyatt was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, fatal muscular disease that has no cure. Unfortunately, playing sports does not come easily for Wyatt. His muscles are slowly getting weaker with age, which makes the repeated swinging of a golf club, walking the course, and even standing for long periods of time, exhausting. But he WANTS to be able to do this. He fights hard to not let the disease stop him. Like all boys, he wants to be able to play like his friends and his brother. Social butterfly and math lover Wynston, whom mom Jessica considers Wyatt’s biggest cheerleader, has played and will attempt any sport there is to play. And with every athletic adventure Wynston begins, he takes Wyatt along for the ride. “Wynston supports Wyatt in everything he does while still enjoying things that he loves. He loves to include his brother in everything,” say mom Jessica Rownd. “While some say he is not affected by his brother’s disease, he truly is.” Wyatt goes to multiple appointments, which as he says, gets in the way of having fun. “When The First Tee came to Grand Ridge, we were blessed to have a small group of kids participate who included Wyatt. No one asked why he couldn’t come every time, they just treated him like all the others. Being a part of a group makes Wyatt feel ‘normal,’ which life is not always for us,” says Jessica. Wyatt makes the best out of the time he gets to play with his brother and his friends. Recently, Wyatt received a service dog named Wrigley. Wrigley is a constant companion he can lean on when he takes a break, while others continue playing. “We know that God blessed us with these two complementary personalities. Wynston will do anything to make sure Wyatt is included and having fun. Though they fight like all siblings do, they are best friends and couldn’t imagine life without each other.” To learn more about Wyatt and to follow his progress, visit his web page at https://www.caringbridge.org/. There is currently no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. To learn more about the disease and how you can help,visit www.endduchenne.org or www.jettfoundation.org

About The Faces of The First Tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!