Category: Senior Spotlight

Kelsey Wilson – Class of 2020

Kelsey is graduating from Whitefield Academy in Mableton where he is an “A Better Chance” Scholar, member of the honor society and the Varsity Golf Team. Kelsey will be attending Mercer University this Fall and plans to study Mechanical Engineering.

How FTMA has impacted my life: As a participant of First Tee for several years, Kelsey acknowledges First Tee as playing a significant role in his life. First Tee introduced Kelsey to golf and helped him developed strong enough skills to earn MVP of the golf team at Cumberland Christian Academy as a 10th grader and to play for the Varsity golf team at Whitefield Academy

Kelsey has experience many “firsts” with First Tee. First Tee helped Kelsey get his very first job, caddying for a country Club in Atlanta, and First Tee took him on his first college tour to UGA. Most importantly, First Tee helped to build the perseverance, diligence, and confidence that Kelsey is known for today. In addition, First Tee introduced kelsey to life long friends that share his passion for Golf.

Kelsey is the epitome of a well-rounded student who is dedicated to academics, service and volunteerism. He is a role model for the preschoolers he serves each weekend as well as his peers. Also, he is known for his spirit of service, his friendly disposition and his dedication to anything he does. Over the past few years his volunteerism includes personally raising $2500 for the National Kidney Foundation, hosting and organizing a kidney awareness event in his community, serving impoverished children in Dominican Republic, and volunteering at the Food Pantry in West Georgia.

Kelsey’s achievements include earning the Eagle Scout Rank in Boy Scouts and becoming an Eagle level participant in First Tee. He has remained diligent in his academics and stayed on the A/B Honor roll throughout his participation in First Tee.  In 2019 he was induction into the National  Honor Society at Whitefield Academy. Last Year Kelsey was honored with the Timothy Award, given to one student per class each year. The award recipient is chosen by students and faculty who collectively select a student who exemplifies outstanding character. Kelsey received the largest merit scholarship that Mercer offers, The Penfield Presidential Scholarship. He is also a recipient of the Future Engineer Award, and the Zell Miller award.

 

Gabriel Wright – Class of 2020

Gabe is a senior at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Gabe will attend the University of Pennsylvania and play football for the Quakers. Gabe has earned a number of scholarships, most notably, the Presidential Award.

Favorite FTMA Memory: I have many great memories at the First Tee of Metro Atlanta: Being in the newspaper for PGA Junior League, volunteering as a coach for classes, participating in the National opportunities and winning the 2019 Gabrielsen Cup, are my top.

How FTMA has impacted my life: I have been a part of the First Tee of Metro Atlanta for 10 years and I really appreciate the First Tee being a consistently fun and supportive community! I have learned many priceless life lessons and interpersonal skills, which improved my journey through life thus far, because of the time I spent at the First Tee. Not to mention, I was able to play varsity golf for 3 years and compete in the State Championship, because of my skill development in the First Tee.

Carlton Ward – Class of 2020

Carlton is graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. Carlton plans to attend a four year university to pursue a career in music.

Favorite FTMA Memory: My favorite memory being involved with the First Tee was during the political campaigns of 2016 where campaign vehicles would drive by blasting loud music and cheer us on from the street as loud as they could.

How FTMA has impacted my life: The First Tee has granted me a skill and connection that I have for the rest of my life. Not only do I have a new ability to play golf, but I have life skills and techniques learned from coaches and a whole new field in my life.

Miracle Goolsby – Class of 2020

Miracle is a senior at Arabia Mountain High School. Miracle will attend Georgia Southern University on the Hope Scholarship.

Favorite FTMA Memory: Golf baseball was fun and it helped me with my hand and eye coordination. I enjoyed traveling to the Master’s with  First Tee of Metro Atlanta. Having the opportunity to volunteer with the younger golfers gives me a sense of pride and boost of self-confidence.

How FTMA has impacted my life: First Tee of Metro Atlanta taught me the importance of truthfulness on and off the golf course. I’ve earned several awards in school because of integrity and respectfulness. I’m the captain of my golf team because of the sportsmanship that oozes out of me. Because of the First Tee program I’m an awesome citizen who will help develop others as I continue in this journey called life.

Austin Scott – Class of 2020

Austin is a senior at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. Austin will attend Chattahoochee Technical College – Business Marketing Program.

Favorite FTMA Memory: I have been involved with the First Tee program since 3rd grade and have enjoyed my experience. My favorite memory is when I was selected to go to Washington, D.C. It was a great experience. I got to learn a lot more about other participants in the program it was overall a fun experience.

How FTMA has impacted my life: First Tee has helped develop me into the young man I am today because without it I would probably not have been able to make it to where I am now. The First Tee program isn’t just about golf for me, I’ve been influenced through the program to help me get through my problems on numerous occasions. I have enjoyed being able to experience the game of golf and leadership through this organization. Thanks to everyone involved!

Anthony Ford – Class of 2020

Anthony is a senior at Drew Charter School. Anthony will attend North Carolina A & T on a golf scholarship. He signed his national letter of intent on November 27, 2019 to join the Aggies!

Favorite FTMA Memory: Meeting and bonding with a variety of golfers around the Metro Atlanta Area.

How FTMA has impacted my life: The Core Values associated with the First Tee of Metro Atlanta have transformed my life! I have learned so much more than about the game of golf….I have learned what it means to be a contributing member of society. I have no doubt that what I have learned from the First Tee has made me a better student, young man, and prayfully future PGA professional!

Coleman Alvarez – Class of 2020

Coleman is a senior at Riverwood International Charter High School. Coleman plans on majoring in electrical engineering at Kennesaw State University.

Favorite FTMA Memory: Being provided the opportunity to serve as a Standard Bearer at the PGA Tour Championship.

How FTMA has impacted my life: Thanks to the experiences I have had at the First Tee the Nine Core Values are how I live life.