The Faces of The First Tee October 2018 Gavin McDermott - First Tee

October 2018 Face of The First Tee

Gavin McDermott

Well-rounded 4th grader is creative both on and off the course

St. Cletus 4th grader Gavin McDermott is our selection for The Faces of The First Tee for the month of October. Gavin first started going to the golf course as a 2-year-old, tagging along to watch his older brother practice. After about a year of watching, Gavin decided he wanted to play too. He’s been a golfer ever since. Nine year old Gavin is a 2-year veteran Birdie Level member of The First Tee, and lives in Harvey with mom Jessica, dad Kevin, and older brother Hunter, who is also a First Tee participant. He competes in many different golf tournaments throughout the year, including the US Kids Golf Gulf Coast Tour, Kelly Gibson’s Junior Golf Tour, and the USSSA Junior Golf Tour. He is also a member of the PGA Jr. League Team of TPC Louisiana, where he also attends The First Tee sessions. “Gavin’s favorite part of the game is putting. The part he enjoys the most about playing golf is making new friends and having fun with them on the course,” says mother Jessica. “One round of golf with Gavin McDermott will show you what this game is all about,” says Director of Education Perry Faulkner, praising Gavin’s on-course character. “The raw emotion that permeates from Gavin makes him a real joy to play with. When not having you rolling laughing, Gavin amazes with his astute observations and decision-making ability.” As shown in Gavin’s portrait, he’s partial to blue, and is an avid reader. His favorite read is the Ready Freddy book series by Abby Klein. Gavin also loves to draw and is not afraid to try the most challenging ideas inspired by his imagination. When not in school, reading, drawing, playing golf, and making people laugh, Gavin enjoys playing video games. Not surprisingly, his favorite game is Fortnite! This well rounded, jovial, and passionate young man joins incredible company as this year’s 2nd selection for The Faces of The First Tee.

About The Faces of the first tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:

A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
A certificate of recognition

Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!