From celebrating our scholarship recipients and their families to recognizing the generosity that makes these opportunities possible, the 2026 First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Academic Scholarship Banquet was a special evening.
The celebration brought together students, families, school representatives, donors and supporters to recognize the continued growth and impact of the Academic Scholarship Program. Throughout the evening, students and families shared how scholarship support has helped create new educational opportunities and provided meaningful support as they work toward their goals.
First Tee — Greater Philadelphia CEO Bill Hyndman opened the evening by sharing his own experience overcoming challenges with reading during his school years. His message about perseverance and the importance of having access to opportunity set the tone for an evening centered on celebrating the accomplishments and potential of our young people.
The evening concluded with a recitation of Success, a poem attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, by Ryan Becker, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia board member and chair of the Academic Scholarship Committee. Its message about making a positive difference in the lives of others reflected the spirit of the evening and the impact made possible by our students, families, donors and supporters.
Creating Greater Access to Educational Opportunities
The First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Academic Scholarship Endowment was established to provide active participants with financial assistance toward tuition-based education. Scholarships are awarded to qualified participants who demonstrate academic achievement, citizenship, service and a commitment to the values of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia.
Since the program began in 2022, its reach has grown significantly. In its inaugural year, $15,925 was awarded to four students attending three high schools. In 2026, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia awarded $425,778 to 63 students attending 25 schools.
Celebrating Our Scholars
Congratulations to each of our 2026 Academic Scholarship recipients. Their commitment to their education, their communities and their continued growth reflects the values they develop and demonstrate through First Tee.
We are also deeply grateful to the donors who make the Academic Scholarship Program possible. Their generosity goes beyond financial assistance. It gives families greater choice, helps open doors to new educational experiences and creates opportunities for young people to continue building confidence and pursuing their goals.
Thank you to our students, families, schools, donors and supporters for making this year’s celebration—and the continued growth of the Academic Scholarship Program—possible.
