First Tee – Metropolitan New York (FTMNY) is proud to offer numerous opportunities to our deserving students, whether related golf, academics/education, career, or beyond. We are particularly excited about our partnership with the WGA Evans Scholars Foundation, which allows in-need students to earn full scholarship and board through their experience caddying at local NY/NJ area golf clubs, couple with outstanding academic achievement in school. At FTMNY, we help support the introduction and resources needed for our students to participate in partner opportunities such as Evans Scholars. This year, we are honored to share that five (5) FTMNY students achieved this life-changing accomplishment. Please read more below about each of these amazing young women and men!
Mia Moran
Student at Sacred Heart High School
Caddie at Garden City Country Club
First Tee student since 2019
Wants to pursue Finance and Law (University TBD)
Mia was selected based on her impeccable grades, extracurricular activities, financial need and caddie service (100 loops)
Mia’s mother also works at Garden City Country Club as a waitress in the restaurant
Mia is a first generation American and will be the first in her family to attend college
“Mia earned this scholarship through hard work and strong character, values first tee holds dearly. I am so happy for Mia and her family. She will continue the legacy her mother created when she came to America from El Salvador”
Austin Cepeda
Student at Harrison High School
Involved with First Tee for 9 Years
Introduced to First Tee through a certifying outreach group that was transported to Mosholu Golf Course from a local Bronx Community Center
Quickly developed a passion for golf and became a regular participant in weekend programming
Participated in First Tee programming 3-7 days per week
Is a caddie at Quaker Ridge Golf Course and Mosholu Golf Course with over 150 rounds completed
Active member of the Harrison High School’s Golf Team
Serves as a role model and mentor to peers within the First Tee community
Attending Delware University in the fall to study business
Sophia Travlos
Student at Carey High School
Caddie at Deepdale
Wants to pursue Professional Golf Management (University TBD)
Sophia was selected based on her impeccable grades, extra-curricular activities, financial need and caddie service (90 loops)
Sophia’s father has cancer, and his situation has affected the family financially as he cannot run his business
Sophia will be the first in her family to attend college
Sophia is a thoughtful young lade who successfully navigated caddying at one of top golf clubs in the country. Her dedication to the membership and in the game of golf earned her this amazing scholarship. Sophia will surely succeed in the world of golf as she is pursing Professional Golf Management to help the next generation of female golfers.”
PJ McLoughlin
Student at Eastchester High School
Involved with our First Tee – Met New York Chapter for five years
Caddie at Wykagyl Country Club with over 250 rounds completed
Initially biked 5+ miles to work each day, eventually saving enough money to purchase his own car
Attending the University of South Caroline to study engineering in college
Excels in social setting, demonstrating strong interpersonal and networking skills
Stella Tavlos
Student at Carry High School
Caddie at Deepdale
Wants to pursue Professional Golf Management (University TBD)
Stella was selected based on her impeccable grades, extracurricular activities, financial need and caddie service (90 loops)
Stella’s father has cancer, and his situation has affected the family financially as he cannot run his business
“Stella is an exceptional young lady. She thrived as a strong female in a male dominated club. She earned her scholarship through hard work and dedication to her values. She will be the first in her family to attend college. I am so happy to see her pursing Golf Management.” Jusin Draycott, First Tee – Met NY Program Director