The First Tee of Naples/Collier participants Achieve Ace Certification

Two participants from The First Tee of Naples/Collier reach the top of the Life skills program by achieving ace certification.

Emily Black and Sydney Shrader from The First Tee of Naples/Collier have achieved Ace certification, the highest level of certification from The First Tee.

Ace certification is the highest level a participant can achieve at The First Tee. After completing the four levels of certification, PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle, Emily and Sydney choose to continue working towards this final step in the program.

Ace focuses on personal planning and will reinforce 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 will become Ace-certified by completing four projects that will help them build a foundation in higher education and for a career.

PROJECTS COMPLETED BY ACE PARTICIPANTS:
  • Community Service: Participants learn the value of giving back by volunteering for activities at The First Tee or in the community.
  • Career: Participants explore their interests and skills, matching them with career possibilities.
  • College: Participants explore issues related to college selection and educational alternatives.
  • Golf: Participants examine their golf skills, create an improvement plan, and assess the role they want golf to play in their lives.

When Emily and Sydney had completed the four major projects, they submitted their Ace Yardage Books for review by a national committee. It is a notable feat and the result of hours of volunteering, goal setting, preparation, and practice.

Emily and Sydney along with the other participants from across the Country, in the 2016 Ace Certification Class, join an elite group as only 100 participants have been recognized nationally by The First Tee since 2006.