# D O I N ’ G O OD
25 www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com
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Keyona Williams, outreach and program coordinator, and Craig Sandstrum,
director of programming, introduce children ages 5 and 6 to the game of
golf through First Tee’s Little Linksters class.
FIRST TEE WAS FORMED IN 1997
TO MAKE GOLF AFFORDABLE AND
ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL CHILDREN.
Using golf as a framework,
the national organization
created a curriculum
supporting the development
of nine core values:
honesty
integrity
sportsmanship
respect
confidence
responsibility
perseverance
courtesy
judgment
Executive Director Brittany Zachrich, it is popular for its focus on helping young
women make lasting friendships, gain confidence, serve the community, and
learn the game, all in a relaxed, comfortable setting.
“Being a part of First Tee has been wonderful,” says Zachrich, a PGA pro-fessional
who played golf at Appalachian State University. “As the saying
goes, ‘if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.’ I’ve definitely
found this to be true with First Tee, as it’s rewarding to see the kids develop
the confidence and character traits that come from the game, the same game
that has taught me so many life lessons. Having the opportunity to change a
kid’s life for the better is something I don’t take for granted and it motivates
me every day!”
Since its founding in 2012, First Tee-Greater Wilmington has made a
positive impact on the lives of more than 14,000 area youth. This includes
working with local organizations including the Brigade Boys & Girls Club,
Community Boys & Girls Club, and GLOW Academy. In a survey of partici-pants,
91 percent indicated they were involved in community service while
involved in First Tee, and 80 percent said First Tee made them better
students.