AIM Brings The First Tee® to Students Who Learn Differently

September 16, 2010

In the Spring of 2010, AIM~Academy In Manayunk, Greater Philadelphia’s college-preparatory school for bright children who learn differently, introduced The First Tee® golf program to its student-athlete Upper School (Grades 6-12) curriculum.  Young men and women participated in twice weekly classes at Walnut Lane Golf Club in the Roxborough/East Falls section of Philadelphia.

Jake Berghuis, a student-athlete at AIM from West Chester, PA., has taken the experience provided by The First Tee golf program to a whole new level.  Jake, who attends high school at AIM, immediately took to both the golf course and The First Tee Life Skills Experience through which participants learn valuable lessons about the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences, and how to define and set goals from the golf course to everyday life.  The First Tee and AIM have given Jake the opportunity this summer to represent both programs at a tournament at The Ace Club in Lafayette Hill, Montgomery County and to participate in a two night stay at Philadelphia University and tournament with young golfers from surrounding states in conjunction with his attendance at the AT&T National Golf Tournament hosted by Tiger Woods.

At AIM~Academy In Manayunk, team sports include soccer, basketball, softball, crew and golf.  Among the values within athletics that help AIM students become responsible are teamwork, commitment, leadership, character, and healthy competition. Our goal is for our student-athletes to always have a feeling of accomplishment while building school spirit and a constant sense of community within the AIM family. Additionally, student –athletes at AIM will know how to deal with conflict resolution, overcoming fears, and learn to appreciate the benefits of both winning and losing. Jake has demonstrated this consistently as he has represented both AIM and the First Tee Program proudly.

Jake’s mom, Molly Berghuis, is so pleased and grateful for what these programs have done for Jake, “The First Tee has given him such opportunities this summer.  He has become comfortable meeting new people including adults.  This program has been a tremendous confidence booster for him.  He has freely discussed his dyslexia, his attendance at AIM and the benefits of his education when asked how he became involved with The First Tee program.”

For more information on The First Tee® of Philadelphia visit their web site at www.thefirstteephiladelphia.org.  To learn more about AIM~Academy In Manayunk, host on October 8th of the 2010 Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (www.pbida.org), visit www.aimpa.org or call 215-483-aim1.