First Tee – The Lowcountry honored a remarkable group of local leaders at its annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet, held April 15 at the Sea Pines Country Club. The event celebrated individuals who exemplify the organization’s Nine Core Values — Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment — through their outstanding leadership and service.
Co-chaired by Lynn King and Bill Fuge, the evening spotlighted the deep connections between the First Tee’s mission and the community leaders who live out its values every day.
“Everyone we recognize exemplifies one, if not more, of the core values of First Tee,” said King. “It’s a win-win because it not only gives us a chance to celebrate them, it also introduces them to the heart of what we do with kids across the Lowcountry.”
2025 Community Leadership Honorees:
Mike Nevil – Honesty
Brennan Roedig – Sportsmanship
Eric Boberg – Perseverance
JR Richardson – Confidence
Dr. Jane Upshaw – Responsibility
Mayor Harry Williams – Judgment
Missy Santorum – Courtesy
Colonel Neal Pugliese – Integrity
Molly Hornbeck – Respect
Special Awards:
Three individuals received special recognition for their extraordinary contributions to First Tee – The Lowcountry:
Jim Ferree Legacy Award: John Bankhead, a national trustee and vital supporter of the organization’s scholarship fund.
Mike Davis Award: Mike Nevil, honored for his commitment as a lead coach in Beaufort and his efforts to expand First Tee’s presence in the region.
Paul Caruso Award: Brennan Roedig, recognized not only for his sportsmanship but for the positive transformation seen through his and his sister’s involvement with the program.
The banquet served as both a celebration of community excellence and a reflection of the lasting impact First Tee – The Lowcountry has on youth across the region with featured speaker PGA professional golfer, Brian Campbell.