.gif)
JACK NICKLAUS CONGRATULATES THE FIRST TEE PARTICIPANTS
NAMED RBS ACHIEVERS OF THE YEAR
Pittsburgh, Penn. (July 9, 2010) – World Golf Hall of Fame member Jack Nicklaus, a spokesperson and Trustee of The First Tee, commended 2010 RBS Achievers of the Year Joseph Brown, 17, from The First Tee of Nashville, and Deloise Daniels, 16, from The First Tee of Southern Nevada, Thursday night during an awards ceremony and dinner, hosted by Golf Digest and GolfWorld, at the Heinz History Center.
Brown and Daniels each received $10,000 scholarship awards from RBS to help fund their post-secondary education. The remaining eight semifinalists received $2,000 each for the same purpose.
“These young men and women are wonderful examples of how the game of golf can positively impact lives and how The First Tee has become an ideal vehicle to use the game to teach valuable, character-building life lessons,” Nicklaus said. “This is why we hope The First Tee continues to broaden its global reach, so we can show emerging markets around the world that we are producing good citizens and not just good golfers. RBS has recognized this and we appreciate their support of The First Tee and the lasting influence they have had and will continue to have on these participants.”
The RBS Achievers of the Year Award, now in its seventh year, is a program created by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, in conjunction with Charter One and Citizens Bank, to recognize outstanding participants of The First Tee and to help fund their ongoing education after high school.
Simeon Pompey from The First Tee of Montreal was honored as the RBS Outstanding International Contributor of the Year. This new award recognizes a deserving international Chapter volunteer whose efforts have exemplified The First Tee Nine Core Values in affecting the lives of program participants.
"We continue to be very proud to support such a worthwhile program," said David Webb, head of group sponsorship, RBS Group. "Now in our seventh year, the RBS Achievers of the Year program has enabled us to honor some truly remarkable young people. They have our admiration and our congratulations."
In addition to Brown and Daniels, the remaining RBS Achievers include:
- Tyler Clem, 17 The First Tee of Fort Smith
- Raven Clewis, 17, The First Tee of South Los Angeles
- Fabio Colon, 18, The First Tee of Connecticut
- Lindsay Davis, 17, The First Tee of Pine Mountain
- Adolfo Diaz, 16, The First Tee of San Antonio
- Jamie Kirsila, 17, The First Tee of Greater Seattle
- Austin Landis, 17, The First Tee of The Children’s Course
- Edward Nguyen, 15, The First Tee of San Jose
The RBS Achievers of the Year Awards recognize deserving students for accomplishments in their daily lives while overcoming difficult circumstances. The scholarship awards are not based on academic performance or exceptional golf skills. The program rewards young people that exhibit The First Tee Nine Core Values while demonstrating leadership, service and teamwork.
RBS and Jack Nicklaus are both Trustees of The First Tee.
To read biographies of the 2010 RBS Achievers of the Year, or to learn more about The First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla. 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. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 3.5 million participants in 50 states, 3,400 elementary schools and four international locations - Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman. The First Tee Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA.
###
As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Shell’s initial contribution has led the way for other individuals, corporations and organizations to provide ongoing financial and promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.
