Teen from The First Tee of Hampton Roads Nominated for National Award
Gerry Jones, Jr. from The First Tee of Hampton Roads has been selected as one of eight finalists for The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award presented by Shell Oil Company.
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Sept. 15, 2017) – Gerry Jones, Jr. from The First Tee of Hampton Roads has been selected as one of eight finalists for The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award presented by Shell Oil Company. This national award recognizes exemplary achievement in the area of academics, community service, chapter involvement and leadership.
As a finalist for The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award, Gerry Jones, Jr. will attend The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit, an interactive and educational event in which teen participants will have the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities. The summit will be held November 8–11, 2017 in Orlando in conjunction with The First Tee National Network Meeting, a biennial conference for chapter representatives of The First Tee.
Among the dignitaries scheduled to address the teenagers at the summit are businessman and educator Stedman Graham, as well as World Golf Hall of Fame member Annika Sorenstam. Educational workshops during the summit will cover a variety of topics including the importance of community service and volunteerism, financial literacy, social media, and more, which will be presented by experts in these fields. During the workshops, Gerry Jones, Jr will develop plans for leading a meaningful service project in our community as a way to apply the skills and concepts learned at the three-day summit.
Gerry Jones, Jr. is a 16 year old raising 11th grade student from Suffolk, Virginia. His father introduced him to the game of golf at the age of 3 and has been his primary coach until 2016. Gerry played in his first competitive junior golf event at the age of 5 on The First Tee Course in Virginia Beach. His local golf has included The First Tee of Hampton Roads, the PGA Junior League until age 12 and VSGA & USGA Junior events. However, Gerry has primarily played in regional and national golf tournaments and junior tours. Gerry has also played AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) events and had a top 10 finish at the 2016 AJGA Preview in Palm Harbor, Florida and was a 2016 USGA-AJGA President’s Leadership Award Top 10 Finalist for his community involvement and philanthropy. Gerry is a Homeschool student that thrives academically, especially in math and science and he is also a violinist and pianist.
“I am thankful and honored to be selected for such a great recognition and the opportunity to earn a scholarship that will support my educational goals. I am proud to represent The First Tee and I am forever grateful,” Gerry Jones, Jr.
“We have had the privilege to watch Gerry thrive here at The First Tee for many years. His honors and awards continue to amaze and inspire us all…but this is the epitome of his career within The First Tee. To be considered as one of the finalists for the Outstanding Participant Award is what our young people dream of accomplishing. We are so proud of Gerry and the young man he’s become…what an honor,” Nancy Moore, Director of Operations & Development at The First Tee of Hampton Roads.
Two winners will be announced during the Network Meeting Gala Dinner on Saturday, November 11 and each will receive a $20,000 scholarship. The remaining semifinalists will each receive a $2,500 scholarship.
About The First Tee of Hampton Roads:
The mission of the First Tee of Hampton Roads is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy living choices through the game of golf. Comprised of multiple locations, our 55-acre Virginia Beach facility is our main program location and includes a nine-hole course, driving range, putting green, short-game practice area and Learning Center/Clubhouse. We also operate programs on the Eastern Shore, Norfolk, Suffolk, Moyock and Franklin. The First Tee of Hampton Roads is a location of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
About the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is a nonprofit, community-based health and human services organization that serves over 250,000 children and families throughout Coastal Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina. More than 30% of those families receive financial assistance through the Open Doors program, whose funding is made available by the generosity of donors, helping them achieve their full potential in spirit, mind and body. The Y’s doors are open to people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.