At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, our mission comes to life through the people who show up for young people every day. In 2025, we are proud to recognize two individuals whose commitment, compassion, and leadership have made an extraordinary difference for our participants and our community.
Volunteer of the Year: Joe Wendels
For more than eight years, Joe Wendels has been a steady presence within First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, and his impact on youth in Fond du Lac is both deep and inspiring.
Since 2018, Joe has volunteered consistently at our programming sites at Whispering Springs and Rolling Meadows Golf Courses, never missing a Wednesday session. His deep knowledge of the golf swing, paired with an easygoing sense of humor and approachable nature, creates an environment where participants feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and growing. Joe is a favorite among participants and a trusted mentor both on and off the course.
Joe’s dedication goes well beyond weekly programming. He exemplifies grassroots support for our mission by helping raise funds through his Sandbaggers Golf League. Through both his time and personal generosity, Joe helps ensure more young people have access to the game of golf and the life skills that come with it.
Joe Wendels embodies the spirit of the George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year Award, quietly leading by example, showing up year after year, and giving freely of his time, talent, and heart. We are proud to recognize Joe as our Volunteer of the Year and to honor his unwavering commitment to the youth we serve.
Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Nass
Stephanie Nass, Physical Education Teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Mequon, exemplifies how intentional teaching and meaningful partnerships can create lasting impact for young people.
Stephanie is in her fifth year delivering the First Tee School Program and her fifth year coaching with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. In addition to implementing the program during the school day, she has been a dedicated coach in our summer programming at Lake Park Golf Course since 2020. There, she assists with on-course instruction, facilitates life skills discussions, and serves as a familiar, supportive presence for participants. Stephanie has also volunteered at outreach events and our Tee to Green Golf Classic Pro-Am, further strengthening her connection to our chapter.
Stephanie is known for her creativity and commitment to inclusion. In her PE classes, she ensures that every student, regardless of ability or background, feels welcomed and valued. She brings First Tee lessons to life by focusing on fun, movement, and foundational life skills. From transforming the gym into a practice range to incorporating prizes at the end of each unit, Stephanie makes learning exciting while always leaving space for reflection and discussion that connects lessons to students’ real lives.
Stephanie has also played a critical role in strengthening the relationship between our chapter and local schools. After taking a new position at Wilson Elementary during the 2024–25 school year, her advocacy helped onboard Wilson as a new First Tee School Program partner. Previously, she led a strong program at Christ King and regularly promoted our chapter’s opportunities to students and families. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and leadership have helped expand our reach and deepen our impact across multiple communities.
We are proud to recognize Stephanie Nass as our Teacher of the Year and grateful for the passion, care, and excellence she brings to everything she does.