Ace is First Tee’s rigorous capstone program, which helps teens gameplan for the future
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – First Tee is proud to announce that 14 participants have successfully completed the Ace program, the organization’s premier achievement, which guides young people in planning their futures through hands-on projects and real-world skill development.
“Achieving Ace requires considerable time, dedication and self-reflection,” said Ryan Graff, vice president of programs at First Tee. “These teens have demonstrated an incredible commitment to personal growth, and we are proud of their achievements and excited to see where their futures take them.”
The 2025 Ace achievers represent seven First Tee chapters across the country:
- Will Berthiaume, First Tee – Connecticut
- Abelina Wakeland, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
- Annika Collado, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
- Elise Rivas-Mucklow, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast*
- Jenna Misset, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
- Colby Townsend, First Tee – Greater Charlotte
- Colin Watson, First Tee – Greater Dallas
- Daniel Ferguson, First Tee – Greater Dallas
- Jacob Lewallen, First Tee – Greater Dallas*
- Aarya Shewale, First Tee – Greater Houston*
- Arden Han-Wei, First Tee – Greater Sacramento*
- Hannah Stouder, First Tee – Greater Sacramento*
- Evan Santoso, First Tee – Silicon Valley
- Tristan Hipolito, First Tee – Silicon Valley
*Indicates Make Your Mark grant recipient.
Through the Ace program, participants explore their interests and potential career paths, while creating actionable goals. To achieve Ace, participants must complete four comprehensive projects focusing on golf, education, career and community service.
Based on their community service projects, participants can earn grants for their local chapters to expand their impact. In 2025, six Ace participants secured Make Your Mark grants totaling $41,000 for initiatives addressing critical needs in their communities. These grants allow Ace participants to leave a legacy at their chapter and inspire future participants to do the same.
First Tee – Greater Sacramento received $10,000 in recognition of Hannah Stouder’s “Hannah’s Care Closet,” which provides free essential items to elementary school students in need. First Tee – Greater Houston received $10,000 in recognition of Aarya Shewale’s “Katy Chess Academy,” which helps kids develop life skills through chess instruction.
For more information about the Ace program and how to get involved, visit firsttee.org/ace.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
The mission of First Tee 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. First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR and many other organizations, foundations, companies and individuals. Over more than 27 years, First Tee has reached millions of young people through its network of 150 Chapters, 12,000 schools and 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Honorary Chair is legendary CBS Sports commentator, Jim Nantz.
