MONTREAL, Que. — For Jarred Pompey, giving back to First Tee – Premier départ Québec was about more than raising money. It was an opportunity to support a program that has helped shape his life and create similar experiences for the next generation of young golfers.
Pompey, 16, recently graduated from Loyola High School, where he participated in the school’s Student Stock Exchange (SSX), an annual entrepreneurial challenge that gives students the opportunity to develop business skills while supporting charitable causes.
As part of the 2026 SSX, Pompey joined the La Cotoletta student-run company, working with his classmates to promote and sell a product, manage finances and raise money for a cause that mattered to them.
For Pompey, the choice of beneficiary was personal.
“I chose to support First Tee – Premier départ Québec because of how important the program has been throughout my life,” he said.
The La Cotoletta group raised more than $7,000, with more than $3,500 going to First Tee – Premier départ Québec. Across the 15 student-run companies participating in SSX, Loyola students raised more than $23,000 for a variety of charitable organizations.
For Pompey, the fundraising achievement was especially meaningful because of the program he was supporting. His connection to First Tee began long before the school project from his father, Simeon’s involvement and advocacy for the program from its earliest days.
“I’ve been involved with First Tee – Premier départ Québec for as long as I can remember,” he said. “It has played a major role in my childhood and in the person I’ve become.”
Lessons that last beyond the golf course
Growing up around the golf course, Pompey learned the game alongside coaches, including his father, and other young people in a community that encouraged him to improve.
Over time, those experiences helped him develop confidence, independence and a greater understanding of the values that extend beyond golf.
“First Tee has taught me values that I can carry with me anywhere,” he said, pointing to integrity, honesty, respect and responsibility among the lessons that have stayed with him.
The program also helped Pompey learn to handle success, learn from mistakes and challenge himself in unfamiliar situations.
Those lessons came into focus during the SSX project, where promoting the group’s product and encouraging people to support its cause pushed him outside his comfort zone.
“You can’t just expect someone to buy something or donate money — you have to explain why it matters,” he said.
The experience strengthened his confidence when communicating with others and reinforced the importance of taking initiative, working as a team and staying committed to a goal.
Giving the next generation an opportunity
Pompey’s connection to golf has also provided opportunities beyond the course. In 2024, he served as an honorary flag bearer at the Presidents Cup, an experience that gave him a new perspective on the sport and the possibilities it can create.
Through the SSX project, he was able to reflect on those opportunities and help make them possible for others.
“Knowing that the money we raised was going back to a program that can give other youth some of those same experiences, exposure, and lessons was truly special to me,” he said.
Pompey hopes the donation will help young people discover a love for golf, build confidence, meet new people and develop values they can carry into everyday life.
He also hopes it will support equipment, staff and the continued growth of First Tee programming.
For Pompey, giving back is something he intends to continue. Whether through coaching, volunteering, donating or staying connected to the First Tee community, he wants to help create opportunities for other young people.
“I know firsthand how much the program can mean to a young person, and I would like to help create those same opportunities for others,” he said.
His experience is a reminder that the impact of First Tee can extend well beyond the golf course — inspiring young people to become leaders, take initiative and use what they have learned to make a difference in the lives of others.
To learn more or get involved, visit firstteequebec.ca.
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