Bellevue teen a semifinalist for achievers award

Published 12:26 pm Friday, July 16, 2010

Among the spectators at the just-concluded U.S. Women’s Open at the historic Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania was 18-year-old Jamie Kirsila of Bellevue and her father, Jim. She earned the trip and a chance to vie for a $10,000 scholarship for being one of 10 semifinalists for the RBS Achievers of the Year Awards.

As a semifinalist, she receives a $2,000 scholarship.

Now in its seventh year, the RBS Achievers program, created by The Royal Bank of Scotland Group in conjunction with Charter One and Citizens Bank, recognizes outstanding participants of The First Tee.

Kirsila, who lost her mother to breast cancer 10 years ago when she was eight years old and has a learning disability, became involved in the First Tee of Greater Seattle program in 2004. She is now at the Eagle level (the fourth in a progression of five levels) and volunteers with the youth development program at Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course in Bellevue.

“As an outlet from the pain of my mom’s struggle with cancer, my dad enrolled me in The First Tee.” Kirsila wrote in her essay for the Achievers award. “It has given me a solid foundation for my life,” she stated, adding she made the varsity golf team her freshman year. “Playing on a team kept me motivated to always try my best. Golf keeps me grounded with a firm grip on reality as well as my club,” she wrote.

The RBS Achievers of the Year Awards recognize deserving students for accomplishments in their daily lives while overcoming difficult circumstances. The scholarship awards are not based on academic achievement or exceptional golf skills.

The program rewards young people that exhibit The First Tee Nine Core Values while demonstrating leadership, community service and teamwork.  The First Tee Nine Core Values are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

“While Jamie exemplifies all the core values, we are particularly impressed with her perseverance,” said Heidi Wills, executive director of The First Tee of Greater Seattle. “It’s been a pleasure to watch her gain confidence and assume responsibility as she interacts with younger participants. Clearly, she has earned respect from the younger kids, her peers and our staff and volunteers,” Wills commented.