John Deere and First Tee honor Power for Good winners

A shot of TPC John Deere from the 2019 John Deere Classic (Photo: Golfdom Staff)

John Deere and First Tee celebrated the 2020 and 2021 Power for Good contest winners during the 2021 John Deere Classic, awarding students money for their educations and the opportunity to be mentored by PGA Tour pro players.

The 2021 John Deere Power for Good Winners include Kate Castle from First Tee — Tennessee, Chase Gallagher from First Tee — Fresno and Abi Morris from First Tee — Phoenix. In addition to this year’s winners, the 2020 winners were also onsite, including Luke Boldt from First Tee — Coastal Carolinas, Vivian Guite from First Tee — Naples/Collier and Kayla Tounalom from First Tee — Greater Seattle.

The winners were picked from a national pool of applicants across the First Tee network based on the positive impacts made in their local communities through volunteer work, participation at their local community events, honor student activities and activism in extracurricular programs.

“Each year, this competition provides us with an opportunity to not only support the industry but also take a moment to celebrate these outstanding individuals for the impact they are making on their communities,” said Manny Gan, global director of golf for John Deere. “The winners from 2020 and 2021 embody what ‘Power for Good’ stands for.”

To reward the six Power for Good winners for their service in their communities, schools and neighborhoods, John Deere will host the students at the 2021 John Deere Classic. The winners will have the opportunity to play and be mentored by a PGA Tour player during the Pro-Am on Wednesday, July 7. Additionally, each winner will receive a financial contribution towards their higher education.

Every year, the Power for Good contest recognizes the efforts of young men and women in the First Tee program that have a passion for improving their local communities. Winners are selected based on their commitment to service and leadership, impact on the community and how their work aligns with the values of First Tee.

Serving as a Trustee Partner for First Tee since 2012, John Deere is committed to working with them to provide meaningful experiences that use golf as a platform to empower young people and building their strength of character. The John Deere Power for Good contest first launched in 2017, and since its inception, has honored 15 commendable applicants.