In 2023, Sunnie, a First Tee – Orange County participant, was selected as one of 32 participants in the Nation to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum. The First Tee National Opportunity, held in Jacksonville, FL in November, equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.
On March 10th, Sunnie organized a CPR training for her and several other peers at Teens on Greens Leadership Series. When asked what her motivation was to organize this event she replied:
“Last year, a life-changing incident occurred when a family friend’s dad had a heart attack while hiking with his church group. Despite efforts to help, he arrived at the hospital too late. Realizing that immediate CPR could have made a significant difference shocked me. It made me truly understand the importance of having these skills. That’s why I’ve taken on CPR training as my project. I believe everyone should know CPR, especially since it could save a loved one’s life. Aligning with The First Tee life skills lesson, I aim to empower people to act in emergencies. Let’s ensure everyone has the knowledge to save their loved ones.
Shoutout to the Renji Relief Inc. (Garfield Health Center) for making it possible! With your support, 20 junior members of First Tee OC are now CPR/AED-certified. Huge thanks for backing my cause! I really appreciate your support!”
We are extremely proud of Sunnie for organizing this life changing event for her an her peers, and for being selected to participate in the First Tee Innovators Forum!