First Tee, Golf Digest honour 2025 network award winners advancing youth through golf
MONCTON, N.B. — What began as a routine school day ended in celebration for Michelle Phillips LeBlanc.
Last September, colleagues, students and members of First Tee – Atlantic gathered at Forest Glen School to surprise Phillips LeBlanc with the news that she had been named the 2025 First Tee Teacher of the Year, a networkwide honour presented annually by First Tee in partnership with Golf Digest.
The award recognizes educators who excel in implementing the First Tee School Program and fostering connections between their schools and the local First Tee chapter. Phillips LeBlanc was selected for her efforts in increasing access to golf and life skills for hundreds of students in one of Moncton’s most culturally diverse communities.
“Michelle goes above and beyond every day,” said Heather Davis, principal of Forest Glen School. “She inspires teachers and students alike and has built a phys. ed. program unlike anything I’ve seen before.”
Since introducing First Tee at Forest Glen in 2021, Phillips LeBlanc has engaged more than 400 students, many of whom are new to Canada and unfamiliar with golf. Through multilingual signage, adaptive equipment and flexible lesson plans, she has created an inclusive environment where all students can participate in the program’s character-building activities.
Her impact extends beyond the school. Phillips LeBlanc organized field trips for Grade 3 and 4 students to a local First Tee facility, giving many their first experience on a golf course. These visits sparked increased interest and enrolment in on-course programming.
To meet growing demand, Phillips LeBlanc and a colleague completed First Tee Assistant Coach training and volunteered as on-course coaches to promote ongoing learning. She also coordinated transportation and centralized pickup locations to reduce barriers for families.
“Michelle is humble, kind, and passionate about everything she does,” said Kiley MacDonald, coordinator of First Tee – Atlantic. “She embodies the mission and values of First Tee.”
Phillips LeBlanc believed the September 10 visit was for filming program content. As students took part in activities in the gym, they were quietly informed of the real reason for the visit and invited to share what made their teacher special. When the announcement was made, the room filled with tears and applause.
“Mrs. Phillips is very nice and always makes sure no one misses out,” said a Grade 4 student.
Phillips LeBlanc was officially named Teacher of the Year on November 5, 2025, as part of First Tee’s network awards. Each recipient receives a $25,000 award from First Tee and Golf Digest, with $12,500 supporting the local First Tee chapter and $12,500 awarded to the facility where the program is delivered. In Phillips LeBlanc’s case, the funding will support First Tee – Atlantic and Forest Glen School.
For First Tee – Atlantic, the recognition highlights the powerful role educators play in growing the game and using golf as a tool for positive youth development — benefiting students’ lives one swing at a time.
Learn more or get involved at firstteecanada.ca.
See the 2025 First Tee network award recipients receive their awards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISuI8oTAeQc
Read the articles from First Tee and Golf Digest.
