At the heart of everything First Tee – The Lowcountry does, driving all the work they do in teaching young people the game of golf while building their character, are their nine core values. Those values are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment; these tenets work in concert to lift up young golfers and guide them to a better life.
Again this year, First Tee – The Lowcountry will show what each of these values represents and how they can create leaders by recognizing members of the community at their Community Leadership Awards Banquet. Held April 15 at Sea Pines Country Club, this annual extravaganza puts the spotlight on those who uphold each of those core values in their own lives.
Guests enjoy the reception at the First Tee Community Awards Banquet
“Everyone who we recognize exemplifies one, if not more, of the core values of First Tee,” said Lynn King, who will co-chair the event with Bill Fuge. “It’s a win-win, because it not only gives us a chance to recognize them, it introduces them to what First Tee does.”
Honorees at this year’s banquet represent a cross-section of our community, running the gamut of backgrounds but all sharing in inspiring leadership. Being honored this year are Mike Nevil (honesty), Brennan Roedig (sportsmanship), Eric Boberg (perseverance), JR Richardson (confidence), Dr. Jane Upshaw (responsibility), Hardeeville Mayor Harry Williams (judgment), Missy Santorum (courtesy), Col. Neal Pugliese (integrity), and Molly Hornbeck (respect).
“I’ve known most of our recipients for a while,” King said. “It’s amazing because they’re all leaders in their own right.”
The event will also include the bestowing of three special awards to those who have gone above and beyond in their service to First Tee – The Lowcountry. Earning the Jim Ferree Legacy Award is John Bankhead, a national trustee for First Tee who has been an overwhelming force for good locally.
10 Year Anniversary Award Winners
“To a large extent, John set up our scholarship fund through his role as a national trustee,” said Pat Zuk, First Tee executive director. “I don’t know how much bigger of a legacy you can have than that.”
In addition to being recognized as exemplifying the core value of honesty, Nevil will be given the Mike Davis Award at the banquet. “Mike is a volunteer who has been our lead coach up in Beaufort and does a tremendous job,” Zuk said. “He’s also helping us to find a more permanent home in the Beaufort area, so his work goes beyond coaching. He loves the program and he’s just a great guy.”
Another double honoree at the banquet will be Brennan Roedig, recognized for sportsmanship and being granted the Paul Caruso Award. “I’ve known Brennan and his twin sister since they were students. They were crazy kids when I met them and it’s amazing how they’ve matured,” Zuk said. “Watching the transformation of these two young people has been an absolute joy.”
First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Community Leadership Awards Banquet will be held April 15 at Sea Pines Country Club. Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. Visit firstteelowcountry.org to learn more.
