Fort Mill’s Babinchak among golf ambassadors

A Fort Mill teen recently participated in the Auntie Anne’s Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum in Orlando, Fla.

The three-day forum, held at the Walt Disney World Resort, introduced participants to interactive sessions that covered career development and community leadership from executives and franchisees of Auntie Anne’s.

The opportunity is offered through The First Tee’s home office for 50 teen participants nationwide from the chapter network. Ashley Babinchak, a sophomore at Fort Mill High School, joined two others from the area – Casey Lindo, a senior at Mallard Creek High School and Jake Oringel, a junior at Providence High School, both in Charlotte, as part of the group selected this year.

“It was quite a big deal for our chapter as a whole to have three of our participants chosen,” said Emily Lockard, Marketing and Events Manager for The First Tee of Greater Charlotte.

To be considered, the students had to complete a lengthy application that required extracurricular activities, participation in chapter programs/volunteering and three essays.

“It (was) a great honor to be chosen to represent my peers, coaches and volunteers of The First Tee of Greater Charlotte,” said Babinchak. “I’m so thrilled that Auntie Anne’s leadership (was) willing to share their talents and successes with young people like me.”

Babinchak has been a participant with The First Tee for four years, is on the varsity golf team and mentors Fort Mill elementary school students.

The First Tee of Greater Charlotte is a 501c nonprofit organization that teaches youth ages 5-18 character education, life skills and core values through the game of golf.

“We are so proud of Ashley, Jake and Casey,” said Jane Singleton, executive director.

“They are leaders in our chapter and community, and we look forward to seeing how this experience furthers their development and what they (will) bring back to their peers in our program.”

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 10:12 AM with the headline "Fort Mill’s Babinchak among golf ambassadors."