Danny is a 16 year old junior at A.C. Flora High in Columbia, South Carolina.  He currently holds a 4.1 GPA, which he hopes will help his

Name:  Danny Priester

Age:  16

Program:  Fairway Outreach

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

chances of getting into the U.S. Military Academy (West Point).  As a member of his school's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Danny is getting a taste of what West Point would be like, while helping his community through volunteer work.  His extra-curricular experiences include working as a Salvation Army bell ringer during the holiday season, cleaning up University of South Carolina's football stadium after games and various beautification projects throughout the year.

Putting Youngsters on the Right Course
Three years ago, Danny was introduced to the game of golf through a local non-profit, Fairway Outreach. Fairway Outreach's mission is to impact underprivileged kids by transferring skills learned in golf to skills needed in life. Danny's exposure to the game goes beyond learning the fundamentals of a golf swing.  He has benefited from mentoring relationships with instructors and program assistants and continually strives to reach his goals on and off the golf course.  In the summer, an array of activities such as golf leagues, golf outings, practice, and a golf tour are offered for the Fairway Outreach students to enhance their golf skills.  Danny practices 3-4 times per week at the Junior Golf Land, a practice range and nine-hole, par-3 course in Columbia. Arrangements have been made for Fairway Outreach participants to have free access at 12 area courses.  Jeff Becraft, Program Director, speaks very highly of Danny, "He is young man of impeccable character…there are few like him."

A World of Golf
This summer Danny was selected by the USGA Foundation to participate in the World Scholar Athlete Games (WSAG). The 2001 World Scholar-Athlete Games had 2,000 participants representing all 50 states and 150 countries. The goals of the Games are to encourage individual growth and development in young scholars, as well as utilizing sport and the arts as a means of communication rather than competition. In order to foster a healthy and diverse cultural exchange during the Games, participants were selected to participate in arts or sports programs.  Danny was selected for the golf component of the games, an event modeled after the popular Ryder Cup format. The event included five days of golf matches, clinics and instruction, for at least 4-5 hours each day. Between rounds, Theme Days, led by prominent, internationally recognized speakers, served as a forum to unite all participants in discussions on global issues such as world peace, world health, hunger and nutrition, global environment, and ethics and sportsmanship.

Back at School
One of Danny's school counselor's O'Tasha L. Morgan credits Danny as young man who is eager to meet and interact with people of different backgrounds.  She related the following story: "Most students in the Honors programs only know and socialize with other students in the Honors classes.  Danny has made friends with students of different racial, social, and academic backgrounds.  His impact on students was evident when a tragic event occurred during the Christmas 2000 holidays. Danny's home was destroyed in a fire, and Danny's father lost his life. The outpouring of support from students was overwhelming. They donated new clothing, money and other essentials.  One of his classes donated over $300 out of their own pockets."

Trophies and more...
Danny has captured numerous golf trophies and accolades in his community.  Beyond his travel to the World Scholar Athlete Games, Danny has also had the opportunity to play in tournaments in Myrtle Beach, Georgia, Florida and the Virgin Islands.  In this observation about the game, Danny's wisdom can be revealed, "In life and in golf it takes hard-work, patience and discipline to achieve your goals."