The First Tee awarded two $10,000 scholarships to teenage participants during an awards ceremony at the site of the PGA Championship last week.
Kiah Underwood, Kiah Underwood, 15, from The First Tee of Cleveland, and Demarcus Hopkins, 18, from The First Tee of Portland were named as the two RBS Achievers of the Year. The Royal Bank of Scotland and Golf Digest Publications, both trustees of The First Tee, collaborated with The First Tee to present the fifth-annual awards.
In addition to Underwood and Hopkins, eight other semifinalist participants from The First Tee facilities worldwide received $1,500 scholarships. For a full list of winners, visit: http://www.thefirsttee.org/club/scripts/view/view_pubnews.asp?NS=PUBLIC&PID=7266
The RBS Achievers of the Year Awards recognize outstanding participants for succeeding in school and their daily lives as a result of their experience with The First Tee. The program goal is to positively impact youth by rewarding selected participants for exemplifying one or more of The First Tee Nine Core Value by demonstrating leadership, community service, teamwork, overcoming obstacles and improving school grades and attitude. The First Tee Nine Core Values are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.
Hopkins has been a participant at The First Tee of Portland for five years. He is Birdie-certified and will become the first member of his family to attend college this fall. Born with developmental disabilities that hinder his ability to speak and read, he quit the golf team to attend Sylvan Learning School to improve his reading skills. His perseverance paid off as he now maintains a 3.2 GPA and will attend Benedict College this fall and play on the golf team.
Underwood is a participant at The First Tee of Cleveland. When Kiah was eleven, she and her family were involved in a major car accident. She suffered multiple injuries, and underwent several surgeries on her arm. The accident left her with restricted use of her arm and severe scarring. She joined The First Tee in 2006 as a shy and introverted young lady, and has undergone a complete transformation. Her strong will combined with her involvement with the chapter has helped her overcome the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident. She currently participates in golf and other activities.
“Kiah and Demarcus epitomize how the game of golf and The First Tee can transform lives. Their efforts to overcome their individual challenges make them extremely deserving of this honor,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., c.e.o. of The First Tee. “The First Tee is proud of all of the 2008 Achievers and grateful to RBS and Golf Digest Publications for their continued support of this educational program.”