Each year, Coaches for Character partners with Charleston County School District to recognize students who have overcome tremendous odds to achieve amazing things. CHAMP Awards are given to students who demonstrate strong character, academic effort, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Willie Lofton, who joined our Pathfinder Immersion Program in 2022, without a doubt embodies all of those things. A talented musician attending Allegro Charter School of Music, a committed golfer, and a friend to all, Willie was presented with a CHAMP Award on April 26th during a ceremony at Trident Tech featuring special guests Cade Klubnik, Clemson Quarterback, and Lanorris Sellers, USC Quarterback.
And our very own Coach Johnson was, of course, honored to attend…
Congratulations, Willie! It is an absolute privilege to know you.
On March 26, teams from 17 Charleston Area elementary schools traveled to Wescott Golf Club to compete in Champions Cup, our annual Golf & Life Skills tournament. This year’s event was generously sponsored by the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation and Bear the Palm.
Photos by Banner Photography
Students, who were selected to participate by their PE teachers, demonstrated their knowledge of our Golf & Life Skills Curriculum by competing in 9 golf challenges (such as chipping a ball into the mouth of a larger-than-life-sized inflatable hippo) and 9 Core Value challenges.
The following schools, all of which belong to our In-School Program network, participated in the tournament:
Ashley River Creative Arts Charleston Development Academy Charleston Progressive Academy Chicora Elementary Goose Creek Elementary James B. Edwards Elementary Julian Mitchell Elementary Lambs Elementary Marrington Elementary Montessori Community School Mount Zion Elementary Oakland Elementary Orange Grove Charter School St. John Catholic School Stiles Point Elementary Sullivan’s Island Elementary Whitesville Elementary
Volunteers from the Lucy Beckham Girls Golf Team were also on-hand to help our Coaches and Board Members with games and scoring.
All teams had fun, played well, and exhibited First Tee’s Nine Core Values (respect, courtesy, responsibility, honesty, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, perseverance, and integrity). They also took home commemorative pullovers from Bear the Palm and fee-waived invitations to participate in additional First Tee programs at seven Charleston Area golf courses.
Whitesville Elementary and Chicora Elementary
It was an extremely close contest, and as with any golf match, lowest score wins. Whitesville Elementary finished third with a score of 136, Chicora Elementary finished second with a score of 128, and Stiles Point Elementary took home the Champions Cup title with a score of 127! The Stiles Point team will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at their school and each team member will receive a free set of age-appropriate golf clubs.
Stiles Point Elementary, our 2025 Tournament Champions
We had such an amazing day, our best Champions Cup yet! Many thanks to the volunteers, PE Coaches, chaperones, kids, and donors who made it possible.
Want to support school outreach? Email Conor@FirstTeeCHS.org, to learn more about how you can get involved.
On May 12, Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston will take on the incredible challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day at Wescott Golf Club to raise money and awareness for our golf-based character development programs and game-changing transportation services.
Since 2019, Golfathon-ers have raised more than $700,000 to fund youth enrichment opportunities at Charleston Area courses, schools, and community centers—all by collecting pledges and playing as many holes as humanly possible. Their efforts play a vital role in keeping our programs free for 97% of participants, and since 2021, this event has funded and fueled the buses needed to make programming possible for kids who live furthest from the golf course.
Two-person teams will compete for top Golfathon honors, including:
Fundraising Champs (team with most dollars raised)
Most Influential (team with most donors reached)
Most Spirited (team with best outfits and gimmicks)
Golfers can register to play now through April 11 (simply register as an individual and encourage your teammate to do the same; our staff will handle the rest). All are welcome, but space is limited.
Corporate teams are encouraged, and we (not so secretly) hope you will invite colleagues and competitors to battle it out on course in over-the-top branded costumes for Most Spirited. Event sponsorships are also available. Please email Conor@FirstTeeCHS.org to learn more.
We are currently accepting applications for our Pathfinder Immersion Program! Any rising 6th grader is eligible to apply now through April 14.
Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning golf, engaging in STEM curriculum, and exploring academic/professional development opportunities. No prior golf experience is required. Accepted students will participate in a 6-week summer camp (based out of Charleston Day School) followed by Saturday enrichment activities throughout the school year.
There is no cost to apply or participate in this program. Activities, equipment (including golf clubs), transportation, and meals are all fully funded by generous community support.
Families and professionals working with youth in underserved communities, are encouraged to contact Lerone@FirstTeeCHS.org learn more.
We are excited to announce the hire of Amy Kissell, our new Gift & Data Manager! Amy will play a vital role in streamlining administrative efficiencies, donor communication, and garnering grant support to advance the First Tee mission.
Amy has more than 20 years experience working in a fast-passed environment as Executive Director of Operations for a local food manufacturing company. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s from The Citadel.
A Charleston native, Amy splits her time between Charleston and Nantucket, Massachusetts, where her husband is from and her son currently resides. Her husband and son are both avid golfers, with her son being a former First Tee participant. Amy’s daughter is proudly serving in the Army and is currently deployed overseas.
Outside of work, Amy enjoys reading, exercising, playing pickleball, and exploring her creative side through knitting, needlepointing, quilting, and sewing. A passionate traveler, she loves discovering new places and cultures.
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Jensen Tomberlin as Program Manager! Jensen will be assisting with community outreach efforts and golf instruction for First Tee’s Pathfinder Immersion Program.*
Jensen is in the PGA PGM Associate Program and has been playing golf for 15 years. Previous work experience includes administering summer camps and tournaments at Topgolf and more than 5 years as a researcher at MUSC.
A South Carolina native, Jensen hails from Cheraw, where he played high school golf. He attended CofC and has called Charleston home for over 10 years. Outside of work, he’s a proud dog dad who also enjoys Ultimate Frisbee, board/card games, Dungeons and Dragons, karaoke, and spending quality time with friends and family.
*While Jensen will assist with a wide variety of programming, please continue to direct all program inquires to our Program Director, Meghan Taylor.
Zach Jefferies is like most middle school students. He enjoys spending time with friends. He likes sports and video games. He seems light-hearted and has a great sense humor. But Zach also possesses remarkable patience—an unusual quality for a young person, shaped by exceptionally challenging circumstances.
At the age of 10, Zach discovered unusual bruising on his feet after soccer practice. His local emergency room sent him to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent surgery and received his first chemotherapy treatment the same night.
Zach faced more than 100 chemotherapy treatments in the years to follow. On several occasions, he was admitted to the hospital for weeks at a time. And leukemia wasn’t his only battle. In 2021, Zach suffered an adverse reaction to chemotherapy resulting in Osteonecrosis in his ankles, legs and wrists. Pain, swelling, and muscle weakness confined him to a wheelchair for 9 months and limited his mobility in the years to follow. Physical activity became an extremely difficult albeit necessary part of his recovery.
In February of 2022, Zach picked up a golf club for the first time and was instantly hooked…
“Golf provided a way for Zach to step away from the stress of treatment and replaced the loss he felt from no longer being able to play soccer. He found serenity on the course and a sense of accomplishment as his ability to play improved.”
– Lisa Jefferies
In 2023, one of our favorite Community Partners, Camp Happy Days, introduced us to Zach and helped us surprise him with an early Christmas present, a set of clubs and an invitation to participate in our On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program in 2024.
We’re thrilled to share that Zach has completed treatment, is in remission, and has been enrolled in three seasons of on-course programming!
“He loves it… He has made friends and the staff is great. It has been wonderful to see him out having fun!”
– Lisa Jefferies
At First Tee, we talk a lot about Core Values and how they are applicable on the golf course and in life. Perseverance is one of our favorites, and when Zach is on-course, we can assure you that he is teaching as much as he is learning.
Our PGA Jr. League team had an amazing summer! Lead by Coach Wayne Nance, Coach Frank Moore, Ben Schwing (summer intern/2024 Christian Brothers University graduate), and Jake Stanbrough (summer intern/rising sophomore at The Citadel), this talented group won 2 and tied 1 out of 4 matches…
Congratulations to all of our hard-working team members… Ellie, Taylor, Clayton. Lilly, Vivian, Tommy, Truen, Eli, Crosby, Atticus, Chandler, Angelina, Blakely, Alec, Sam, Giada, Holden, Ellie Ann, Ava, Mara, Owen, Eli, Thad, and Lucas!
Victory at Country Club of Charleston
All Jr. League participants represented First Tee well, exhibiting respect, courtesy, and sportsmanship in the face of steep competition and perseverance through, what at least felt like, the hottest summer ever.
The weather was challenging in more ways than one, as we had 2 matches called for lightning. Even our final rain date was cancelled due to course conditions following Tropical Storm Debby.
Don’t let the jerseys confuse you. We don’t have a “home course” of our own, but we still rotate between orange and blue for “home” and “away” matches.
But the good far outweighed the bad this season. Everyone had a blast! Wednesday afternoon practices at Patriots Point Links and Saturday matches were a family affair. We enjoyed building friendships and making plans for the future. Our host courses were extremely generous. The kids even received special mementos to commemorate the season… balls from the US Open in Pinehurst courtesy of the USGA!
Playing with our lucky golf balls from the US Open.
To learn more about how to get your child enrolled visit pgajrleague.com, and stay tuned for registration information in our monthly newsletters.
Frampton Construction chooses First Tee – Greater Charleston as beneficiary for 2nd Annual Charleston AEC Industry Cornhole Tournament.
November 3, 2023 | Community Support
Our friends at Frampton Construction hosted the 2nd Annual Charleston AEC Industry Cornhole Tournament at Holy City Brewing yesterday and raised $15,000 with the help of industry partners for First Tee – Greater Charleston programs!
As reigning 2022 champs, Frampton was nominated to orchestrate the event and chose First Tee as beneficiary. Thank you, Team Frampton!
Teams from Seaman Whiteside took home first and second place, and will have the opportunity to host next year’s event.
A huge thank you goes to Triangle Lawn Games for coordinating tournament logistics and all participating teams: Frampton Construction, Terracon, Landmark Construction, Davis & Floyd, Lithko Contracting, Eldeco Inc, JE Dunn Construction, Steel Fab, Trident Construction, Quantum Commercial, Mashburn Construction, and Seamon Whiteside & Associates.
Want to host an event benefiting First Tee – Greater Charleston? Email Kendall to coordinate.
Clayton, Jayden, and Baron played the Gene’s Dream Foundation Mentor Cup in Myrtle Beach last weekend. They kicked things off on Friday with a meet-and-greet event at Topgolf. Jayden even got a few pointers from special guest Nancy Lopez!
On Saturday, Baron got closest to the pin on the #9 par 3 and won a pro shop gift card. He nearly holed it for an Ace! He tapped in a one-foot putt for birdie, his best hole ever.
Clayton and Jayden also played well. Here’s Clayton stripping a drive…
The Mentor Cup is an annual mentor/mentee team event dedicated to the memory of Gene Weldon, a 50-year PGA Professional who was instrumental in the foundation and development of a formidable junior golf program in Myrtle Beach. Gene believed that golf was a reflection of life—that friendships made and character developed on the course could be transformative. That spirit is captured in the Mentor Cup. Our mentor and mentee participants were touched by the level of community support. Each hole had volunteers handing out drinks, candy, golf balls, and other goodies, and comradery among teams was a major aspect of the event.
Coach Todd and Baron (left) pose with playing partners from First Tee – Greater Charlotte (right)
“It was great meeting representatives from other [First Tee] chapters… I really enjoyed it and think the event was great exposure for all three of our mentee participants!” – Coach Todd Murphy
Our superstars didn’t bring home the cup, but we certainly are proud of the way they represented Charleston! We hope to send more teams in 2024. Stay tuned for details and visit GenesDream.com to learn more.
Game Changers pose with mock trial volunteers at Charleston Historic Courthouse | Photo by Gabriel Conn
July 20, 2023 | Program Update
Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called Pathfinder Immersion Program.
Our Game Changers Immersion Program (GCIP) held its third annual mock trial event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse yesterday. Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. have been practicing with GCIP kids all summer in preparation for two cases—the State vs. Gold E. Locks and the State vs. Jack Robinson (of Jack and the Beanstalk).
First-year Game Changers (rising sixth graders) prosecuted and defended Jack. Second and third-year participants (rising seventh and eighth graders) represented Gold E. Locks and her accusers, the Bear family.
While all parties presented persuasive arguments, the jury reached unanimous verdicts in both cases. Gold E. Locks was found guilty of bad manners and theft. Jack Robinson was found not guilty of second degree intentional homicide.
Special thanks to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. who support this enrichment opportunity year after year with their time, talent, and energy. Our Game Changers have learned so much from you!
And thank you to the many volunteers and staff members who helped make this year’s event a success—Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (judge), Officer Gause (bailiff), Officer Rice (bailiff), Ryan Webster, Esq. (juror), First Tee Program Director Meghan Taylor (juror), First Tee Marketing Director Kendall Flock (juror), Game Changers Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson, and camp counselors Maddie, Antonio, Vada, Olivia, and Gabe.
Summer is an exciting season for First Tee – Greater Charleston! When the school year ends, we’re able to reach hundreds of kids through community partner organizations, and we host a full-day, Monday-Friday camp for our Game Changers Immersion Program participants. This is in addition to summer Core Golf & Life Skills classes at six course locations. Needless to say, we need all the help we can get… which is why we are very excited and exceedingly grateful to introduce our 2023 team of summer interns!
Vada Williams, Dee M. Robinson Fellow
Vada will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program, and as a Dee M. Robinson Fellow, he will also be learning the inner-workings of nonprofit life. Vada is a rising senior at Chicago State majoring in business management. He is currently the men’s golf team captain and serves as the Student Athlete Advisory Board President! He is looking most forward to being able to mentor the kids the same way he was when he was a First Tee participant growing up.
Antonio DelCastillo, Game Changers Intern
Antonio will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program this summer. He’s a student at the University of Alabama and is expected to graduate in May of 2026 with an Anthropology, Economics, Pre-Med, STEM path to his MBA. He is a member of the National Hispanic Honors Society and is also a Level 1 First Tee Coach who graduated from the First Tee – Orange County program, where he was involved since the age of 6.
Madeline Webster, Game Changers Intern
Madeline will be working with our Game Changers Immersion Program. She is a rising Junior at the University of South Carolina majoring in Sport and Entertainment Management. FUN FACT: She went to a 2019 PGA TOUR event and got a fist bump from Tiger Woods! Madeline is excited to spend her summer on the golf course and connecting with young people who share her love of the game.
Gabe Conn, Game Changers Intern
Gabe is pulling double duty as a marketing and Game Changers Immersion Program intern. He is going into his senior year at University of South Carolina and is majoring in sport and entertainment management. Gabe currently works for the News and Creative Media Team at USC covering all sports and he looks forward to applying those skills to help tell the story of First Tee and our amazing program participants.
Olivia Ratliff, Game Changers Intern
Olivia will be working with our Game Changers as well. She is a sophomore at South Carolina State majoring in Middle Level Education and Political Science. She enjoys playing tennis and watching sports in her free time. She is most looking forward to helping kids develop life skills as her passion lies with teaching, education, and youth development.
Tanner Reynolds, Outreach Intern
Tanner is one of our Outreach Program interns. He is a rising senior at the University of South Carolina and majoring in sport and entertainment management. Before his time at USC, he was captain of the men’s golf team at Montreat University. He is excited to work with the kids in our programs and help them build a relationship with the game of golf!
David Fahrer, Outreach Intern
David will be working alongside Tanner as an Outreach Program intern. He is entering his junior year at the University of South Carolina, and he is majoring in finance. David has been a First Tee program participant since he was five years old and is most looking forward to helping kids learn life skills!
Learn More About Internships
Interning with First Tee is a meaningful way to build your resume, and it’s also a lot of fun! We advertise internships and volunteer opportunities in our monthly newsletter. Subscribe to our email list or contact Meghan Taylor to learn more.
