Category: Feature Stories

We would like to welcome Breck Booker of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management in Hartford to the First Tee – Connecticut Board of Directors. Breck has been involved with First Tee – Connecticut as a member of the Goodwin Park Advisory Committee and as a past participant of multiple First Tee – Connecticut Charity Classics.

Breck Booker, Senior Vice President
Private Wealth Advisor
Family Wealth Director

Breck is a Private Wealth Advisor with The Neville Group at Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management and has been a partner since January of 2014. He joined The Neville Group after spending six years successfully building out a national platform at Southwire Company where he developed and cultivated institutional relationships across global markets. Breck’s success in building relationships in his prior career have translated into his current role and reflect his acute ability to understand the complex needs of the team’s clients.

Leveraging Morgan Stanley’s global resources and best-in-class intellectual capital, Breck focuses on providing intergenerational solutions combining trust and estate planning strategies, pre- and post-liquidity planning, cash and lending services, and strategic asset management. As one of the select Private Wealth Advisors at Morgan Stanley with the distinguished title of Family Wealth Director, Breck integrates his institutional experience with the sophisticated needs of Ultra-High Net Worth Individuals, families and Family Offices. His experience and skill set are ideal for helping these clients navigate the complexities involved with managing significant wealth.

In 2019 Breck was recognized by Forbes as a Next Generation Best-in-State Wealth Advisor for the State of Connecticut which highlights the accomplishment of advisors that represent the future of Wealth Management.

Breck received his Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from The University of the South and currently resides in West Hartford, CT with his wife and three children.

Visit Breck Booker’s LinkedIn Profile

First Tee – Connecticut is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.  The board consists of officers and directors from across the state who serve three year terms and also features Honorary and Emeritus members.

Selam Olson’s journey with First Tee – Connecticut started at the tender age of seven, driven by a shared passion for golf and community with her peers. Now 17, the Wallingford resident embarks on an exciting new chapter at Trinity College in Hartford as one of the select few – 24 students nationwide – to receive the prestigious First Tee National Scholarship. Olson’s story is a testament to dedication, community involvement and the transformative power of First Tee.

From the outset, Olson was determined to excel within First Tee – Connecticut. “During my freshman year, my goal was to make sure I was the best applicant possible for the scholarship program,” she shares. Her application process was a blend of simplicity and authenticity, featuring a video where she spoke directly to the camera, podcast style, discussing her aspirations, interests and personality.

Olson’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments are impressive. A sociology major with a minor in art history, she accumulated an astounding 668 hours of community service in high school. Her involvement spans various activities, including volunteering with the Special Olympics and coaching for First Tee – Connecticut. Reflecting on her commitment, she says, “Volunteer work has always been my main thing. I didn’t even realize I had so many hours until I counted them up.”

Olson’s weekly routine is a testament to her dedication. “During the school year, I spent early Thursday mornings at a local soup kitchen and this really highlights my passion for community and helping people,” she explains. Her efforts extended to securing an internship at the Hole in the Wall development office, further showcasing her initiative and drive.

Being part of the First Tee – Connecticut community is a cornerstone of Olson’s growth. “The community that First Tee has fostered has been an amazing experience and has helped prepare me for today and the future. They want the best for all of us; I feel very supported and have a network of people behind me,” she reflects. This sense of belonging and encouragement has propelled her to pursue unique opportunities, such as attending Choate Rosemary Hall, a private high school where she was a scholarship recipient.

Olson’s achievements culminated in her acceptance into the highly selective First Tee National Scholarship Program. “I am so grateful to First Tee. I did not expect to get the scholarship; it is very selective,” she says. Her excitement about joining Trinity College is palpable as she looks forward to continuing her involvement with First Tee – Connecticut and engaging in volunteer work both independently and with her school team.

For Olson, the future is bright with possibilities. She envisions a career in the nonprofit sector or public health, fields where her passion for community service can thrive. Her unique trajectory and steadfast commitment to giving back exemplify the values that First Tee – Connecticut instills in its participants.

Olson’s journey is not just about personal achievement but also about the power of community and support. “It’s exciting to meet a lot of other people interested in First Tee and experience this new chapter of life. I’m nervous and excited to pursue college and take the next step,” she shares. Her story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, passion and the right support system, anything is possible.

As Olson steps into this new phase of her life, she carries with her the lessons, values and spirit of First Tee. Her journey is an inspiration to all, illustrating how the combination of hard work, community involvement and a supportive network can lead to extraordinary accomplishments and a bright future.

At just 19 years old, Christian Bonvisuto of Wethersfield has already experienced a full-circle moment in his life, thanks to the First Tee National Scholar Program. Starting his journey with First Tee – Connecticut at the tender age of six, Bonvisuto embraced the program’s core values, which have shaped his life far beyond the golf course. Now, as a sophomore majoring in finance at the University of Connecticut, he recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure at the John Deere Classic.

“The nine core values (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment) have helped me in more ways than I can count,” says Bonvisuto. “First Tee – Connecticut is about so much more than just golf. It’s about character, integrity and building a strong foundation for the future.”

Bonvisuto’s trip to the John Deere Classic was nothing short of incredible. Playing alongside professional golfer Rafael Campos, he had the chance to talk to Campos’ caddy and read greens like a pro. But the experience extended beyond the fairways and greens. Bonvisuto also played with Leslie Hager, Vice President and Comptroller at John Deere and toured its headquarters in East Moline, Ill.

“Meeting the team at John Deere and seeing how the headquarters operates was amazing,” Bonvisuto recalls. “The entire team contributes to the company’s success, and it’s impressive to see how much work goes into making John Deere a global leader.”

Bonvisuto’s goals for the trip were clear: to meet as many people as possible and make lasting connections. “I didn’t know how I would do it all in one week, but it was far more than I expected,” he admits. “Everyone was so nice, and the opportunity to interact with professionals in my field was invaluable.”

During his time at John Deere, Bonvisuto spoke with interns and learned more about the business side of the company, which aligned perfectly with his goal of pursuing a career in the financial industry. Through First Tee, he’s been matched with mentor Craig Pfeiffer, President and CEO, Money Management, further solidifying his path toward his professional aspirations.

Bonvisuto’s father, Don, was there to witness this milestone event, capturing moments as First Tee members arrived and interacted with pros and executives. “From a parent’s perspective, it’s incredible to see how much he’s grown, interacting with adults and professionals,” the elder Bonvisuto reflects. “It was a humbling experience.”

Looking ahead, Bonvisuto is excited about the upcoming winter retreat in Jacksonville and the monthly check-in calls with his First Tee class of 2023. “We do it on our own once a month, and it’s nice to see everyone and stay in touch,” he says.

Bonvisuto’s journey with First Tee – Connecticut has been marked by numerous highlights, but being nominated for the National Scholarship Program by CEO Mark Moriarty stands out. “I was one of 24 candidates selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee applicants.  Being chosen was truly an honor.”  His involvement with the UConn Husky Harvest Food Pantry, Special Olympics and other community activities has only furthered his commitment to making a positive impact.”

“First Tee gives you so many opportunities in your field,” Bonvisuto emphasizes. “It’s not just about golf; it’s about creating a network and building a future.”

As Bonvisuto continues to pursue his dreams, he remains a shining example of what the First Tee – Connecticut program can achieve. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, character and the incredible opportunities that come when you’re willing to put in the work. With a bright future ahead, Bonvisuto is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the course.

As Sammy Dunn enters her senior year at Berlin High School, her journey with First Tee – Connecticut has already spanned more than a decade. From a young girl taking golf lessons to a junior coach and now a senior member of the First Tee Participant Advisory Council, Dunn’s involvement has been transformative, both for her and for the organization.

“I’ve been with First Tee – Connecticut for 11 years, since I was six,” Dunn shares. “It’s incredible to see the progression of the organization and how it has impacted my life and others.” Her deep-rooted connection with the Connecticut chapter has given Sammy a unique perspective on the evolution and growth of First Tee – Connecticut.

Dunn’s experience with the First Tee Participant Advisory Council stands out as a significant chapter in her journey. Selected as one of only eight participants nationwide, she has had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback and suggestions to First Tee headquarters. “My favorite part was being part of the marketing meetings,” she recalls. “I’m a creative person and loved offering ideas, talking about programming and hearing about other chapters.”

Her suggestions, such as in-person alumni meet-ups and a focus on practical skills like resume building, have been shaped by her own experiences and the feedback from her peers. “The programs are incredibly useful to kids in their teens. It’s important to give feedback based on what we’ve experienced with First Tee,” Dunn emphasizes.

Dunn’s role on the council also allows her to witness firsthand the efforts to make golf more accessible. “Seeing behind the scenes and understanding the efforts to make golf more inclusive has been eye-opening,” she says. Her travels to various national First Tee events, including a memorable trip to PGA Tour headquarters and TPC Sawgrass, have further enriched her perspective. “The experience at TPC Sawgrass was incredible. We took a tour of the clubhouse, went to the arcade and the beach—it was a fantastic time.”

Beyond the national stage, Dunn’s local contributions as a junior coach in Connecticut have been equally impactful. “First Tee – Connecticut has always given me opportunities to engage with golf and taught me life skills,” she reflects. “It fostered my love for golf, and I want to give back.”

Dunn’s commitment to First Tee is unwavering. She plans to remain involved as a junior coach and be an active part of the alumni network. “I want to interact with First Tee headquarters more often and continue giving back to the community that has given me so much,” she affirms.

As Dunn steps into her final year of high school, her journey with First Tee – Connecticut stands as a testament to the overall organization’s mission to build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Her story is one of dedication, growth and a deep-seated desire to give back, ensuring that the next generation of First Tee participants can experience the same transformative journey.

“I’ve met so many amazing people through First Tee – Connecticut, and those connections have only deepened my engagement,” Dunn says. “The nine core values of First Tee (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment)  are something I carry with me every day. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

With her sights set on continuing her involvement with First Tee and beyond, Dunn exemplifies the power of mentorship, community and the lifelong impact of being part of an organization that goes far beyond golf.

A Journey of Perseverance and Community

For Laniah Moffett of Waterbury, participating in the First Tee National Championship at Clemson University was not just about the competition; it was a testament to her journey and dedication to the sport she loves. The prestigious event, now in its fourth year, gathers 48 of the nation’s top junior golfers, with equal representation of boys and girls. Candidates are chosen based on their involvement in their local chapters, essays, character, grades, and handicap indexes.

Moffett, who has been playing golf for 12 years, started her journey with First Tee -Connecticut at the age of five. Now preparing to attend Division I Howard University to further her academic and golf career, she reflects on how her early involvement with the program shaped her. “When I was 15, I began helping as an assistant coach at Prospect Golf Course and East Mountain in Waterbury,” she says. “I also participated in golf shows, representing First Tee – Connecticut, giving back to a program that has done so much for me.”

Competing at Clemson this year, Moffett found the experience both challenging and rewarding. “It was an amazing experience meeting people from across the country,” she shares. “I’ve been paired with some of the same girls since I was ten, and it’s always nice to meet new people and compete in different course conditions. Adjusting to the greens and the different grass types was part of the challenge, but it helped me grow as a golfer.”

Moffett’s preparation for the event included focusing on muscle memory and honing her swing. She knew the competition would be fierce, as many participants are highly ranked golfers, some already committed to college teams. “It’s one of the most competitive events I have played in,” she remarks. “The mental preparation was crucial, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

One of the highlights of the championship for Moffett was a “Careers in Golf” panel. “You could hear about so many careers in golf, from turf management to college coaching,” she explains. “A lot of golfers aren’t sure what they want to do, but this opened up so many possibilities for me.”

Looking ahead, Moffett dreams of turning professional and eventually owning a coaching business for youth. “I want to go pro and then own a coaching business for youth so I can give back to the younger generation,” she states. “My coach inspired me to pursue this path, and I plan to major in business management to achieve my goals.”

Moffett’s commitment to First Tee – Connecticut and its core values—such as perseverance, respect and giving back to the community—has been a driving force in her life. “First Tee has instilled so much in me,” she reflects. “I have the skill and strength to work hard, balance school with golf, make friends and network throughout college. I plan to stay involved with First Tee – Connecticut and will be there whenever they need me.”

As she embarks on her new journey at Howard University, Moffett remains a shining example of what First Tee – Connecticut programs aim to achieve: nurturing young talent and instilling values that go beyond the golf course. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the unwavering support of First Tee.

First Tee – Connecticut lost a dear friend and coach in Walter Shelton in early 2022.  Walter epitomized what it means to be a valuable coach and mentor to an extraordinary amount of participants in his tenure with First Tee – Connecticut.  He embodied all of the qualities that make a good coach  – compassion, empathy, kindness – and instilled those attributes in his young students alongside the nine core values that are the foundation of First Tee.

In 2023, First Tee – Connecticut established the Walter Shelton Coach of the Year Award and we are proud to have Warren Beardow as the second person honored with this distinction.  Warren’s qualities are similar to Coach Walter in so many ways.  Warren strives to connect with each young individual he is teaching to find the right words to ignite that “AHA” moment in their golf journey. Warren attests that in every class there is always some knowledge imparted, or a way of helping and relating to a child that makes him love coaching. Golf is a difficult sport demanding many types of clubs and shots and it can become overwhelming to a youngster as they are learning the game.

For over a dozen years, Warren Beardow has been coaching kids from ages 7-18 at First Tee – Connecticut primarily at our flagship location in Cromwell CT, and various other facilities around the state. While attending Tufts University in the late 50s, Warren studied English Language and Literature; his vocabulary and way with words is evident in his interactions with the young people at First Tee – Connecticut. Coach Warren is always there on the practice tee, putting green or the golf course with the right words of encouragement, a gentle arm around a shoulder, and a smile doing his best to engage, inspire and motivate the kids looking for their next great shot. At 86 years young, Warren is asked frequently by his friends why he is spending his time teaching young kids? His response is quite simply because he has so much fun! Warren goes on to explain that it is the kids’ smiles and their excitement that are his great reward. Humble and soft-spoken, Warren is extremely modest about the enormous impact he has made on countless kids in our communities, teaching golf and sharing valuable life lessons to assist in their futures. He knows from parent interactions over the years just how much kids rely on these life skills and incorporate the core values at school, socially and even in their adult careers.

Warren took up the game of golf when he was looking for employment as a young man and had additional time on his hands. Taking a fondness to it, he developed his own golf game during his late twenties practicing with famed teacher, Jim McLean, at Westchester Country Club, and playing in tournaments in the Fairfield and Westchester County area. A job with CBS as a Sales Executive led Warren to Chicago and he took classes in Sports Marketing at the University of Chicago. During those years, Warren honed his golf skills further and took advantage of the wealth of great amateur tournaments in this region. A new job spanning 30+ years as a product license specialist, primarily for the U.S. Olympic Committee, brought Warren back to Connecticut.  While he played a lot of golf at various clubs, most often at Lyman Meadows, he began to focus on golf instruction and began teaching for First Tee – Connecticut toward the end of his career. When more time presented itself in retirement, Warren became a Certified Professional Golf Instructor with the United States Golf Teachers Federation in 2006 and offered private instruction at several places. He continues to give private lessons at Indian Springs Golf Club in Middlefield in addition to his volunteer coaching responsibilities with us.

We are beyond grateful for Warren’s many accomplishments and dedication to First Tee – Connecticut representing our organization with grace, intelligence, class, and humor. With no signs of slowing down, we look forward to many more years of having Warren teaching golf and life lessons to our young people. We value his contributions and are honored to recognize Warren with pride as our “Encourager of the Year” as he refers to the award.