including school, friendships and eventually careers. Here is one example of how The First Tee has helped one young girl find her passion. Darcey Dorris first began participating in The First Tee of Western Michigan programs in third grade. Through a partnership with Bowen Elementary in Grand Rapids, her first exposure to The First Tee program was at Stormy Creek Golf Club. She participated in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade introductory level and was introduced to the Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals. She was able to continue with The First Tee when she reached the 6th grade at Crestwood Middle School. When she graduated to high school, The First Tee of Western Michigan entered into a partnership with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church and Darcy was able to continue with First Tee through that alliance. These three different community partnerships helped Darcey learn and grow at First Tee, keeping her involved until she eventually became a First Tee junior coach! Darcey enjoyed The First Tee because she was outdoors and spending time with her friends. She thrived as a discus and shot put thrower, but her maturity What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? “I just love the overall experience. Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age. Duringmytimeasa juniorcoach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things. This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future. I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding. All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!” To help The First Tee continue their outstanding work donate today at: https://donorbox. org/2022-year-end-giving-ftwm and positivity helped land her a paid junior coach role at First Tee at the tender age of 15. Once in the role, Darcey’s confidence and maturity exploded. She even received a scholarship from Central State University in Ohio, to throw discus and shot put for the track team. Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity. “Since I started in First Tee, I have learned more about the word integrity. Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around. I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more.”
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