Select students from around the world are packing their bags and heading to Walt Disney World Resort for the second annual Future Leaders Forum (www.futureleadersforum.com). In a partnership between The Toro Co., Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee, this innovative educational program helps strengthen leadership skills, prepare for college, and explore the many career disciplines in and outside the game of golf.
During a three-day immersion in the sport, business and science of golf, 50 outstanding students from The First Tee facilities around the world will attend this year’s Future Leaders Forum, November 6-9, and receive practical training to become productive leaders in their classrooms, communities and careers.
“The Future Leaders Forum is a unique learning experience for our participants,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. “This will give them the opportunity to explore various career opportunities within the golf industry and ultimately plan ahead for their future. We are delighted to partner with The Toro Company and Walt Disney World Resort to make this program possible for the second year in a row.”
The Future Leaders Forum is being held in conjunction with the Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Walmart – the final stop on the 2008 PGA TOUR Fall Series. The forum came to life when The Toro Company, Walt Disney World Resort and The First Tee teamed together last year to provide a unique learning experience for 50 students from worldwide Chapters of The First Tee.
At the Future Leaders Forum, students will learn first-hand from industry leaders about career opportunities in tournament operations, golf course management and entertainment – among others. Students will attend sessions hosted by the PGA of America, PGA TOUR Operations, and Nicklaus Companies; as well as discover what it takes to run a professional golf event when they shadow tournament staff at the Children’s Miracle Network Classic. For many individuals, the forum not only provides access to their first professional tournament, but also to some of the world’s most renowned golfers and golf industry leaders.
“It’s been extremely rewarding to be a part of this program,” said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “We all stand to gain from these young leaders as they develop and achieve their own personal and professional success. Looking ahead, we believe these experiences will help prepare them for many exciting career opportunities. Our hope is one day they will influence the growth of our industry.”
Recognized as a preeminent positive youth development organization, The First Tee operates more than 500 learning facilities and program affiliates in 48 states and four international locations and has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants.
“We’re excited to host the Future Leaders Forum at Walt Disney World Resort where dreams really can come true for these talented students,” said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Disney’s Sports Attractions. “Through this immersive experience, students can apply the values they’ve already learned on the golf course – such as honesty, integrity and sense of fair play – and relate them directly to their careers.”
“The Future Leaders Forum opened my eyes to opportunities I never knew existed,” said Raven Sanders, 2007 Future Leaders Forum participant. “I first learned about Imagineering from one of the team leads and realized there were enjoyable and unique opportunities in the engineering field. The Future Leaders Forum helped me make this very important life decision.”
The 50 young leaders, from 38 Chapters of The First Tee, were selected through an essay competition and application process. Nominees submitted a 200-word essay about their career aspirations and post-high school plans; a listing of involvement in school and community activities; and a letter of recommendation describing the student’s leadership skills. (A complete list of participants is included below.)
Future Leaders Forum curriculum
The First Tee, Walt Disney World Resort and The Toro Company collaborated to provide attendees with a unique educational experience in leadership development and career preparedness. Some of the courses include:
Disney’s Leadership Excellence – Today’s students – tomorrow’s business leaders – investigate proven management strategies employed within the Walt Disney Company and learn how to apply those philosophies to their own personal goals and leadership style.
From the Ground Up – With many exciting opportunities in the turf industry, students will hear from Nicklaus Companies on pursuing dreams in the golf industry and course design. They’ll also learn about the responsibilities of today’s sports turf managers in keeping turf healthy and safe – for everyone from professional athletes to community sports teams.
Career Track – Students participate in exercises to help prepare for post high school by developing long-range plans and setting goal ladders. The First Tee PACE Resource Center (Providing Assistance for Careers and Education) also provides individuals with tools for career exploration, test preparation and scholarship opportunities.
Professional Golf Management – Hosted by the PGA of America, the session provides an overview of the golf industry and opportunities in golf through the PGA’s Professional Golf Management program.
Future Leaders Forum 2008 participants
Kelsey Berg, The First Tee of Greater Seattle
Robby Biesel, The First Tee of San Diego
Eddie Bolden, The First Tee of St. Louis
Joseph Botkins, The First Tee of Greater Seattle
Bradley Chandler, The First Tee of The Sandhills (NC)
Graham Clouse, The First Tee of Pine Mountain (TN)
Lauren Conder, The First Tee of Contra Costa (CA)
Kelly Copeland, The First Tee of Valparaiso (IN)
Valeria De Fex, The First Tee of Dallas
Anna Dibert, The First Tee of Prince William County (VA)
Kyle DiGiacobbe, The First Tee of Philadelphia
Edward Estrada, The First Tee of Contra Costa (CA)
Kyle Gaillard, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
Spencer Golden-Sims, The First Tee of Canton (OH)
Stephen Graddick, The First Tee of Charlotte
Shaneadra Graham, The First Tee of Pursell Farms (AL)
Sal Guardiola, The First Tee of Phoenix
Jon Halpern, The First Tee of Pittsburgh
Matalia Hill, The First Tee of Atlanta
Kipper House, The First Tee of Pine Mountain (TN)
Matthew Hughes, The First Tee of San Antonio
Michael Hughes, The First Tee of The Triangle (NC)
Zach Hughes, The First Tee of Greater Kansas City
Ryan Irish, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento
Nicklaus Janss, The First Tee of Greater Austin
Clifton Jordan, The First Tee of Memphis
Kymberly Juettemeyer, The First Tee of San Antonio
Sumit Khetan, The First Tee of Nassau County (NY)
Kristle Koh, The First Tee of Singapore
Amanda Lim, The First Tee of San Francisco
Lauren Lynch, The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District (MN)
Hannah Martin, The First Tee of Salina (KS)
Melissa Merrigan, The First Tee of The Children's Course (OR)
Evan Myer, The First Tee of Pittsburgh
Daniel Ortega, The First Tee of San Antonio
Viviana Perez, The First Tee of Richmond & Chesterfield (VA)
Kurt Ramont, The First Tee of Modesto (CA)
Andrew Roberts, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento
Nick Schafer, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento
Ericka Schneider, The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (FL)
Brian Schulte, The First Tee of Detroit
Ryan Schumacher, The First Tee of Chattanooga (TN)
Anthony Stewart, The First Tee of Augusta
Will Swygert, The First Tee of Howard County (MD)
Cody Taylor, The First Tee of Dallas
Sterling Tran, The First Tee of Augusta
Tylor Welch, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley (VA)
Sara Wood, The First Tee of The Children's Course (OR)
Jonathan Wyble, The First Tee of Tampa Bay
Beau Zastrow, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento
Since 1998, The Toro Co. has been a corporate partner and preferred supplier of golf course maintenance and irrigation equipment for The First Tee. Toro also is the official provider of turf and irrigation equipment for Walt Disney World Resort.