First Tee is a national organization that has been around for decades, working with school districts across the United States to empower elementary students through golf. A New Mexican was named Teacher of the Year by the organization.
SHIPROCK, NM — For decades, First Tee has worked with school districts across the United States to empower children and youth through the sport of golf.
In this context, they recognized teachers who made their mission possible.
The kicker is that there were many great teachers, but Mr. Layney Frazier was by far the best. Frazier is a physical education teacher at Eva B. Stokely Elementary School in Shiprock.
On Wednesday, students and teachers surprised Frazier with a First Tee National Teachers Award and $12,000 for his class.
“I don’t even know what I said in my speech today. It was just such a surprise. I was shocked. I was proud, of course, I was, I was moved, I don’t know, I can’t put it into words. I was really, I really can’t, just super surprised and shocked, but I thought it was great. I thought it was great. It was really cool,” he said.
Frazier has been working with First Tee for about 10 years. It all started with a love for his work.
“I do my work for the kids. I’m all about the kids. That’s what brings me to schools. It puts a smile on my face when I see kids having fun and succeeding at something. But it’s also nice to know every now and then that the hard work pays off,” he said.
First Tee Four Corners is one of 160 chapters nationwide eligible for this award.
“Currently, 34,000 elementary schools nationwide offer the First Tee program. And Lane (Frazier) was selected through an application process,” said Tina Pacheco White, director of First Tee.
Frazier says the key is to stay positive. He also says you need to encourage and recognize students’ achievements in order for them to be successful.
Pacheco says it was not an easy decision. But there were no ifs and buts. Frazier was a “tee-rific” trainer.
“He has such an innovative approach to how he teaches life skills and golf in his classroom. He seamlessly manages to accommodate the different abilities of the students and that is really a testament to his ability as an educator and just deserves recognition,” Pacheco-White said.
Frazier says teachers, especially in physical education, are only as good as the materials they have, and the money will help make the class easier and more fun for students.
