Esther Etherington of Richmond has been selected as one of 25 Scholars to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program’s Class of 2022. The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to First Tee alumni across the U.S.by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Etherington will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide[him/her]throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year, and $5,000 per year toward tuition. Etherington has been attending First Tee programs in Richmond, Indiana for 8 years.
Esther Etherington, First Tee – Indiana
Graduating from Richmond Bowie High School in Richmond, IN
- 18-year-old incoming college freshman at Franklin College, where she will play on the women’s golf team and plans to major in elementary education
- Esther has been involved with First Tee for six years
- Member of high school choir and golf team
- She was awarded the 2021 Mitchel J. Winger Courage Award, an award given by the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association to someone who contributed to the success of their high school program and overcame a disability.
- Regularly volunteers with her church.
- Esther was born prematurely and blind in her right eye. She spent the first decade of her life in and out of the hospital undertaking ten different surgeries, including heart surgery. She was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma from a tumor in one of her bronchial tubes but is now cancer-free.
- Aspires to become an elementary education teacher with the eventual goal of receiving a Master’s degree in Special Education.
- 4.4 GPA
“I learned resiliency during my time at First Tee through the health issues I faced during my journey with First Tee. Throughout the whole process, I always could see the selfless service that my coaches extended towards me and other campers at First Tee. Many coaches in my local chapter volunteer on a consistent basis, without pay. They inspired me to invest in others and encouraged me to overcome trials and battles faced in life with a positive attitude.”
Esther Etherington
This is the largest class of First Tee College Scholars to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf.