Sam Roberts was hesitant to join the First Tee of Indiana program in middle school. Already an avid golfer and former Gongaware Academy participant, Sam assumed First Tee was for just for beginners. At his parents’ urging, Sam reluctantly attended his first class. “Sam had a preconceived notion that First Tee was for younger children who did not have any golf experience,” said Sam’s dad, Aaron Roberts. “But after his first class, he was hooked. He truly enjoyed how the program was structured and taught along with the one-on-one instruction.” Sam was excited to learn that the program offered various levels for golfers to advance through to achieve Ace status, the ultimate goal. It is the highest level offered by the program but had not been achieved by any participant in Indiana. This was a goal Sam knew he could reach, and nothing was going to stop him. “I knew I wanted to do my best and be the best. As you work through each level of PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace, it begins to fit together. Once you get to the Ace level, you finally see that all of the work you’ve been doing has a framework and it has led you to this point.” First Tee exists to help kids build the strength of character by integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. First Tee creates learning experiences that build inner strength, selfconfidence, and resilience that kids can carry throughout their lives. Sam’s parents, as well as his coaches, saw Sam’s confidence grow and his work ethic far exceeded that of just golf skills. “First Tee afforded Sam many opportunities for personal growth, including in areas such as public speaking, confidence and building relationships,” said Aaron. “As parents, watching your child flourish doing what they love is priceless.” Sam also succeeded academically and was valedictorian of his Centerville High School class, before attending Indiana East University in the fall of 2020. “Sam’s human traits reflect the Nine Core Values in his academics, family, religion, and work life,” said coach, Bob Van Pelt. “He has become a tremendous public speaker, actor, collegiate golfer, and an active member in his church. He’s exceptional.” Sam spent roughly eight years advancing through all skill levels, including the final two years dedicated to achieving Ace Level status. The Ace Level focuses on personal planning and reinforces skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication, and resilience that were applied in earlier levels of the program. Using these skills, participants become Ace-certified by completing four projects that will help
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