John Deere and First Tee to honor three First Tee scholars at the 2023 John Deere Classic

Malisone Chanthapanya

John Deere and First Tee will honor three First Tee scholars, including Malisone Chanthapanya, Rebecca Jones and Nicholas Conales, at the 2023 John Deere Classic.

John Deere awards the scholarships to individuals whose commitment to pursuing a career aligns with the industries served by John Deere, as well as the demonstration of the strong character traits learned through their time in First Tee.

Rebecca Jones

First Tee’s college scholarship program provides further support, life skills development and mentorship of alumni through their academic journey. While on-site at the 2023 John Deere Classic, the scholars will engage in VIP experiences that include the Wednesday pro-am event, engagement with John Deere leaders and mentorship opportunities with young professionals of similar career paths.

“Through the game of golf, First Tee focuses on not only on helping young people grow through the game but establishing the next generation of game changers both on and off the course,” David Thorne, vice president of turf and compact utility business for John Deere, said.

Nicholas Canales

Malisone Chanthapanya from First Tee Forth Worth is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. She majored in data analytics and supply chain management and was a member of the golf team. She has been a member of the First Tee program for 14 years and was the youngest in the chapter’s history to achieve ACE Certification.

Rebecca Jones from First Tee Indiana studies civil engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She has been a member of First Tee for eight years and achieved multiple medals as a competitor.

Nicholas Canales from First Tee Greater Houston studies business administration at the University of Nebraska. He is a first-generation college student and is a member of the D1 golf team. He was a participant at First Tee for more than 10 years.