Bardstown’s Whitney Representing Georgetown College at Mountain Laurel

At Georgetown College, the winner of the annual Belle of the Blue scholarship pageant is invited to represent their school at eastern Kentucky’s tradition-rich Mountain Laurel Festival the following year. This weekend, finally, the third of three eligible Bardstown women in the past two years – Whitney Lanway, a runner-up – has that privilege.

Katherine Lanway, Whitney’s older sister, and Kelly Kays both elected other priorities when their turns came. As a Georgetown sophomore, Katherine was co-winner of the Belle of the Blue in February ’05. At reign’s end, she opted to let co-Belle and Kappa Delta sorority sister Mica Wood – then president of the College’s Young Democrats – have that coveted spot. “Mica told me there would be a lot of political networking opportunities for her and since she was getting ready to go to law school, she seemed to be the obvious choice” Katherine said.

As Katherine was relinquishing her crown in February ’06, (freshman) Whitney finished second in that Belle of the Blue. Then this spring, ‘06 Belle Kelly Kays committed to a creative ministries position with Lifeway Camps for the summer before attending the University of Louisville School of Medicine in the fall – giving Whitney a chance to compete in “America’s Best Outdoor Pageant.”

“I’ve talked to Mica (Wood) and the Mountain Laurel is a lot different than Junior Miss – it’s more communication-oriented,” said Whitney, who leaves for Pineville tomorrow (Thursday). “Being able to converse is more important to me now than looking pretty or playing Beethoven. I’m looking forward to meeting new women who have the same goals and values.”

Performing on stage just doesn’t have the same appeal anymore for Whitney, who had the lead in Nelson County High’s production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” in ’03 and “Anything Goes” in ’05. But, she gives a lot of credit to English and Drama teacher Cindy Ethington for building her confidence. “I was really scared as a sophomore,” said Whitney, who would go on a become Nelson County’s Junior Miss in ’05. “But, she made me believe in myself and gave me the faith to get into my character.”

Whitney says that the best decision of her life was to follow her role model (Katherine) to Georgetown College. “She has been extremely successful in every endeavor and her success has inspired me to reach my full potential,” said Whitney, who is following in her sister’s footsteps as a Kappa Delta leader as well as making every Dean’s List.

Said Katherine, who was KD president for year, “Going to the same high school and now the same college as Whitney just made it easier for me to try and take my sister under my wing, but I have seen very quickly that she does not require my help as often as I thought. Whitney really has a good grasp on reality and who she is in the world, and for this I am very proud of her.”

Whitney, an English and Education double major/Music minor, will have Georgetown College “all to herself” next year. Katherine, who graduated May 12 summa cum laude and a member of Phi Kappa Phi Academic Honor Society, will attend the University of Kentucky’s School of Dentistry this fall. Their brother Robert, 18, is leaning toward joining the U.S. Coast Guard and pursuing a career in law enforcement.

The Lanway sisters both say that their parents, Michael and Lanelle, came to every piano recital, band concert, sporting event or play their three children were ever in. So, it’s with some remorse, said her mother, that Whitney will be without the usual family support for the Mountain Laurel. A previous commitment for another relative’s graduation is taking the Lanways to Georgia. The family of Whitney’s escort, Robbie Weaver, a Georgetown sophomore from Louisville, will have to suffice for friendly faces.

Her mother has no doubt Whitney will thrive without the family, though. “She’s always been able to hold her own in conversations with adults and in interview type situations,” Lanelle said. “She’s so well-versed and well-rounded, she’ll do just fine.”

President Bill Crouch proudly posed with his first two graduates of The First Tee Scholars program – Chris Hawkins, left, and Steven Outlaw – after Georgetown College’s commencement. On hand to co-present their diplomas was retired PGA director Jim Awtrey, an original board member of The First Tee and now a Georgetown College Trustee Fellow. Both graduates will take the PGA’s Player Ability Test this summer – and if they qualify, will begin the Accelerated PGM School on scholarship in late October. (Photo by Paul Atkinson).

The PGA of America and Georgetown (Ky.) College have announced a partnership to enable graduating students in the school’s The First Tee Scholars program to earn a scholarship into the PGA Professional Golf Management (PGA PGM) Accelerated Program, in order to take the first step toward obtaining PGA membership.

Through The First Tee Scholars Program, graduates who pass The PGA’s Playing Ability Test can enroll in the seven-week PGA Professional Golf Management Accelerated Program, at the PGA Education Center, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Upon completion, students will have passed the first of three checkpoints toward PGA membership. The PGA Accelerated Program teaches eight Level 1 courses, while integrating work experience activities at golf facilities and through classroom training sessions. The seven-week pace is greatly accelerated from the traditional two-year window used for passing Level 1, with more than 120 classroom hours, 70 hours of work experience activities and four days of comprehensive checkpoint testing in the PGA Accelerated Program.

“At the forefront of The PGA of America’s mission is to grow the game of golf, while providing opportunities for qualified individuals to pursue their dreams of obtaining PGA membership,” said Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America. “The PGA’s partnership with Georgetown College enables top graduating Scholars to draw upon their strong leadership abilities and life skills, which are hallmarks of The First Tee program, to pursue careers as PGA Professionals. We are delighted to expand upon an outstanding partnership that began when Georgetown College proposed the development of The First Tee Scholars program on the collegiate level, in order to increase diversity at the school.”

The First Tee Scholars Program provides participants a gateway to a successful future through higher education.

The Scholars Program began in 2001, through the generosity of Dr. William H. Crouch Jr., president of Georgetown College, who offered to provide two full scholarships to participants in The First Tee. Since then, the Scholars program has carried out one of The First Tee’s most important initiatives – to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing skills through golf.

“As one of the Founding Partners of The First Tee, The PGA of America continues to demonstrate its commitment to our positive youth development programs,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., executive director of The First Tee. “Extending this opportunity for Scholars to become PGA Professionals on an accelerated basis is yet another great example of their involvement. It’s fitting that Georgetown College, which founded The First Tee Scholars program, is the first college to partner with The PGA of America for this purpose.”

“Since becoming president in 1991, I have envisioned a truly diverse campus environment where all students can learn, thrive and prepare for the global workplace,” said Dr. Crouch. “In recent years, we have focused on achieving diversity through higher education. Establishing The First Tee Scholars program was one of the main pieces for making this vision fall into place. We are proud of our association with The PGA of America, which stands at the forefront of growing the game of golf through its commitment to diversity.”

The PGA of America and the school will also work together throughout the next five years to enable minority students in The First Tee’s national programs to receive fully-funded college scholarships to Georgetown College – which will pave the way for more students to start on the path to becoming PGA Professionals.

About The First Tee

The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla., at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 1.5 million participants and students in 47 states and five countries – Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore. Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.

About Georgetown College

Georgetown College is a residential, co-educational, liberal arts college defined by academic excellence. We offer numerous opportunities for the development of leadership skills in an environment that encourages intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social, emotional and physical growth. We teach students to think, to lead, and to serve with balance and respect as demonstrated and modeled by Christian character. The campus is located 15 miles north of Lexington and to the west of Interstate 75 – and four miles from the Kentucky Horse Park, our academic partner and host site for the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.

About The PGA of America

The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf, while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry, by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

Students from Georgetown College, KSU and Ouachita Baptist University

Four students from The First Tee’s inaugural class of Scholars (2003) graduated from college on May 12, 2007. Angelika Huguley from Kansas State University, Kenneth Patterson, from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia AR, 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 Dr. William Crouch 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, spontaneously offered Outlaw a scholarship to Georgetown College; and The First Tee Scholars Program was born. Since then over 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.”

Angelika Huguley from The First Tee of Manhattan, KS 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. In 2004 she interned with the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and volunteered as a leadership counselor during The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy at Kansas State last summer. As an academy participant in 2001, she was the recipient of the Renee Powell Outstanding Female Leader award.

“Angelika has been an outstanding student and role model for so many youngsters from across the nation,” said Bob Krause, vice president of Kansas State University. “We are very proud of her and know that she will continue to be a leader and exhibit the core values of The First Tee.”

Kenneth 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. In the summer of 2004, Patterson interned at The First Tee home office in St. Augustine, Florida.

“We are so pleased that The First Tee Scholars program brought Kenneth to Ouachita,” said Dr. Rex M. Horne, Jr., president of Ouachita Baptist University. “I have known Kenneth for many years. He is a positive and versatile leader with a very bright future. We also appreciate the contributions that Jake Kleine, another Scholar from The First Tee, is bringing to our campus community. We know Jake will do well.”
Georgetown College graduate Chris 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 Steven Outlaw of The First Tee of Hammond (Indiana) 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.

In addition to the accolades above, all four Scholars attended the PricewaterhouseCoopers Executive Forum in 2004 during THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and have spoken in front of hundreds of people on behalf of The First Tee.

About The First Tee

The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to over 1.5 million participants and students in 47 states and five countries – Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Singapore. Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.

As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Because of Shell’s initial contribution, The First Tee has garnered the support of hundreds of corporations and organizations that have provided financial or promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.