Connor Shooks from First Tee – Benton Harbor has been selected as one of 25 Scholars to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program’s Class of 2022. This is the largest class to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf.
Shooks will be attending Loyola University Chicago where he plans to major in sports management. Active in First Tee — Benton Harbor for over six years, he regularly volunteers his time with younger participants, teaching them life skills and core values.
Shooks recently graduated from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School. In 2021, he was named the Heisman High School winner, where he was designated out of 150 Michigan seniors for excellence in athletics, academics, leadership, and service. Shooks was the captain of his varsity soccer and golf teams and aspires to become either a traveling athletic trainer, physical therapist, or work for a First Tee chapter.
“First Tee has made a true influence on my life, and I am eternally grateful for participating in it for the past 6 years,” said Shooks. “The commitment that First Tee coaches have made to my life has been a transformative experience. They have taught me the values and character necessary for me to take on new ideas and conquer challenges.”
First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to First Tee alumni across the U.S. by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Shooks will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide him throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
“I offer congratulations and a warm welcome to our Class of 2022 First Tee Scholars,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “With the support of our donors, we’re able to provide this ongoing support as they matriculate through college and prepare for future careers. These outstanding young leaders have bright futures ahead, and we believe the skills and values developed through First Tee will empower them throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.”
Applications for the Class of 2022 were received from participants across the First Tee network. Following an online application process, Shooks participated in one-on-one interviews and was selected by a national committee. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism, and other criteria.
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission, including 3M, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Astros Golf Foundation, Brendan and Shay Cavanagh, Charles Schwab, Chevron Corporation, David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation, Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, Edward and Lisa Vaughan, Jon Clay, Nelson and Michele Carbonell Family Foundation, Paul and Ruth Flowers, Peter A. Bonanni Scholarship Fund, PURE Insurance, Timothy W. Finchem Scholarship Fund, TruGreen, USSGA Memorial Fund, and Zotec Foundation.
***
About First Tee — Benton Harbor
First Tee — Benton Harbor is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Learn more at www.firstteebentonharbor.org.
