The trio of collegiate scholars will participate in a VIP event including the Wednesday pro-am, engagement with John Deere leaders, and mentorship opportunities with young professionals in the field.
John Deere and First Tee are recognizing three First Tee Scholars for their commitment to pursuing a career that aligns with the industries served by John Deere, as well as their demonstration of the strong character traits learned through their time in First Tee.
The three college-aged First Tee alumni, Malisone Chanthapanya from First Tee – Fort Worth, Rebecca Jones from First Tee – Indiana, and Nicholas Canales from First Tee – Greater Houston, are each pursuing a postsecondary career that matches their ambitions within the fields of engineering, data analytics, computer science, and beyond.
First Tee’s College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development, and mentorship of the program’s alumni through their journey. While on-site at the 2023 John Deere Classic, the trio will engage in VIP experiences that include the Wednesday pro-am event, engagement with John Deere leaders, and mentorship opportunities with young professionals of similar career paths.
“John Deere is committed to celebrating the work of First Tee and its dedicated alumni — including Malisone, Rebecca and Nicholas — who are embracing the challenges of tomorrow while embodying the empowering life lessons learned through First Tee,” said David Thorne, VP of turf and compact utility business for John Deere. “Through the game of golf, First Tee focuses on not only helping young people grow through the game but establishing the next generation of game changers both on and off the course.”
Serving as a trustee partner for First Tee since 2012, John Deere is committed to supporting the youth development organization in its mission to provide meaningful experiences for participants, using golf as a platform to empower young people and build their strength of character.
A member of the Texas Wesleyan University golf team, Chanthapanya completed her undergraduate degree in finance in just two years and, currently pursuing a graduate degree in data analytics and supply chain management, still has two years of eligibility remaining. She was named to the 2021-22 WCGA NAIA all-American second team. Last season, she was named a Daktronics NAIA Women's Golf Scholar-Athlete. She also won three collegiate tournaments last season and holds individual records for 18, 36, and 54 holes, with 64, 66-69, and 66-69-70, respectively. She’ll continue to play for the team as a grad student. When asked about her career goals, Chanthapanya emphasized that she aims create more sustainable and clean ways that do not harm the planet. She joined the First Tee program almost 14 years ago and was the youngest participant to achieve ACE Certification in the Fort Worth chapter’s history. She served on the Chapter Junior Advisory Committee and played in both the 2021 First Tee National Championship and in the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach. She continues to be involved in her chapter serving as a part-time coach.
Jones is a rising junior studying civil engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, with the goal of one day working on environmentally friendly engineering projects, specifically land and water remediation. On campus, she is the vice president of infrastructure for the Engineers for a Sustainable World club, an officer on golf tournament chair for the American Society of Civil Engineers, peer advisor for the Office of Career Services, past director of facility operations for Tri Delta, and an undergraduate researcher for climate change and resilient infrastructure. Along with two fellow classmates and a professor, Jones started a research project in October 2022 that involved collecting data on other ABET accredited universities to examine what courses are being taught in sustainability and resilient infrastructure. Her personal project has been to examine different erosion control methods for coastlines. This research will count towards her master’s degree in environmental engineering. Jones spent the summer of 2022 as a project engineer intern for infrastructure and energy alternative, and plans to spend this summer in South Bend, Indiana, working for Lochmueller Group as an intern for the Water Resource Department. She has been a member of the First Tee — Indiana for eight years and achieved multiple medals as a competitor.
Canales is currently a rising sophomore at the University of Nebraska, where he’s studying business administration. He is a first-generation college student and a member of the school’s golf team. Canales’ love of golf stemmed from more than 10 years at First Tee — Greater Houston. He loves to give back to the chapter as much as he can, including being a junior mentor at that chapter, as well as a volunteer representative at various community events and fundraisers. During his high school golf career, Canales was named the 2019 EYS Sports Magazine Golfer of the Year, as well as two-time HGA Player of the Year. While he does aspire to become a professional golfer, Canales understands that there is a need to have a strong educational foundation: He plans to pursue his master’s in business administration and aims to gain experience in market research, business analytics, innovation, and sustainability.