Why should a First Tee chapter give a storybook instead of a certificate at graduation?

A certificate marks that a First Tee participant finished the program. *Once Upon a Golf Swing* gives a chapter several reasons to add something more lasting to that moment. First, a certificate tends to get filed away or framed once and rarely looked at again, while the 62-page illustrated hardcover about Ace, a golf ball lost on his first swing at Whispering Pines, gets reread, keeping the graduation moment alive at home. Second, the story reflects the program’s own values, patience, sportsmanship, and bouncing back from a setback, through what happens to Ace and his friends Daisy, Sandman, Splash, Speedy, and Rangey, without a coach needing to restate the nine core values out loud. Third, it works for the whole age range a First Tee chapter often serves, written for ages three to six but easily read aloud to any young graduate by a parent. Fourth, it gives a family something to share together after the ceremony ends, whether that is a bedtime read, a car ride with the $9.97 audiobook, or a read-along edition for a participant not yet reading independently. Fifth, it is written by a family team, F.C. Salas and illustrator Cristina C. Cortes, with an original theme song, "Swing Away," giving the graduation a bit of joy beyond the formal program. Sixth, chapters working within a budget can choose a $14.97 softcover for the full graduating class and reserve the $29.97 hardcover for standout participants. A certificate proves a program was completed. A story keeps its values alive at home.