Reception held at the new First Tee Learning Center

Gary Huneryager, Mayor Mick Cornett, Debi Martin, Craig Humphreys were at the reception. (Photos by David Faytinger).

The preview reception for The First Tee Learning Center was held at the new facility, 600 N Martin Luther King Blvd. The location features three golf holes, a 12,000 sq. ft. putting green, a short game area and a driving range. The program targets youth development and character education, for students aged 7-17, taught through the game of golf in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Midwest City, Norman and at Tinker AFB. Debi Martin is executive director of First Tee.

The party allowed donors the first opportunity to tour the facility prior to the grand opening to the community which was the next day and to share the importance of the First Tee program.

Board members Deborah Jacobson and Gail Huneryager.

Speakers were Craig Humphreys, Debi Martin, Gene Rainbolt, Rayshon Payton, Tom Ward and Christy Everest. Tom Ward hit the first ball on the driving range to dedicate the facility.

The facility featured First Tee golf club sets, donated golf art and a three minute DVD prepared by Jon Minson and Kristina Carson which included pictures of students specific to each of the nine life lessons of First Tee: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Courtesy, Confidence, Respect, Responsibility, Judgment and Perseverance.

Carl Edwards, Meg Salyer, Christy and Jim Everest arrive at the First Tee Learning Center.