Four students from The First Tee’s inaugural class of Scholars (2003) has graduated from college.

Angelika Huguley from Kansas State University, Kenneth Patterson, from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia Ark., and Christopher Hawkins and Steven Outlaw from Georgetown College in Kentucky became the first participants from The First Tee Scholars Program to graduate.

"This is an incredible milestone for The First Tee and a wonderful accomplishment for each of our Scholars," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., executive director of The First Tee and senior vice president of the World Golf Foundation. "It has been remarkable to see the transformation of these young people from teenagers into successful young adults. We look forward to their professional accomplishments and are grateful for their continued support of The First Tee."

The First Tee Scholars Program was founded in 2001 by William Crouch, Ph.D., of Georgetown College. After hearing 16-year-old Steven Outlaw speak in front of 500 men and women at The First Tee Annual Meeting in 2001, Dr. Crouch, a National Trustee of The First Tee, offered Outlaw a scholarship to Georgetown College; and The First Tee Scholars Program was born. Since then more than 30 colleges and universities have embraced the program and offered leadership scholarships to qualified participants.

"I knew I wanted that young man at Georgetown College and others like him who are learning the character values associated with the game of golf," said Crouch. "Steven and Chris have set the bar high for this college and The First Tee Scholars Program – and as they go out into the world, we look forward to welcoming incoming freshmen Christian Heavens and Jessica Collins."

Huguley from The First Tee of Manhattan, Kan., graduated with a double major in political science and international studies, and a minor in leadership studies. She plans to go to law school and become a criminal prosecuting attorney. As an academy participant in 2001, she was the recipient of the Renee Powell Outstanding Female Leader award.

Patterson majored in mass communications with a minor in marketing at Ouachita Baptist University. He is a senior staff member at The First Tee of Central Arkansas where he has been employed since his freshman year. The Arkansas native has aspirations of obtaining his PGA certification and furthering his education.

Georgetown College graduate Hawkins is a business administration major and Spanish minor. He is taking a five-week immersion class in Mexico after graduation and is actively involved with The First Tee of Atlanta. Fellow graduate Outlaw of The First Tee of Hammond (Ind.) is a political science major and psychology minor. In the summer of 2004, he interned with Wilson Golf in Chicago through a corporate partnership with The First Tee.