Great Job Julia!

Julia Stopperan from The First Tee of Greater Kansas City was selected to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship held at The Kanawha Club in Richmond, Va., from June 12–17. Stopperan was one of 32 teen participants—16 boys and 16 girls—from The First Tee selected to play in the 36-hole individual stroke play competition. In addition to the golf experience, kids participated in fun activities that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values, and other life skills learned through its programs and the game. Teens also experienced dorm living during their stay on campus at the University of Richmond. Julia Stopperan, a recent graduate of Shawnee Mission East High School, has been involved in The First Tee for ten years as a player and coach. With a 4.53 GPA, Stopperan became a Kansas Honors Scholar and AP Scholar. On the golf course, Julia and her teammates won the 2015 State Championship, and were runners-up twice. Julia has shown that she is always willing to help the community, as she has planned two charity color runs, volunteers at St. Luke’s hospital, and helps with the Johnson Country Christmas Bureau. Stopperan was selected for The First Tee National Par-3 Championship through a national application process. Applicants that met the participation criteria were reviewed by a national committee that scored based on essays, involvement with The First Tee and letters of recommendation. Julia’s experience at The First Tee National Par-3 Championship was second to none. According to Stopperan, “It was a super fun experience! I met a lot of cool people from all over the country and got to play golf at some really pretty places.” Stopperan finished the tournament in 13th place in her division.