Two teenagers from First Tee — Greater Richmond were recently selected to attend a national leadership academy focused on social justice and community building.

Rita Eovino and Justin Hartsfield are participating in the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. in Minneapolis. The academy began on July 9 and ends on July 13. They are among 72 teens chosen from the First Tee network nationwide.

The five-day academy aims to empower participants to become change agents in their communities through workshops on self-awareness, inclusivity and community engagement.

Eovino, a rising junior at Monacan High School, has been with First Tee for 10 years. She serves as secretary of the organization’s Junior Advisory Board and as a junior coach.

Hartsfield, entering his sophomore year at L.C. Bird High School, is a four-year First Tee participant. He also coaches and holds the treasurer position on the advisory board.

“We are elated to have both Rita and Justin represent First Tee — Greater Richmond at the First Tee Game Changers Academy,” said Kelly Brown,

First Tee — Greater Richmond’s vice president for impact. “It has been wonderful to watch their growth both on and off the course over the last several years, and both have made a huge impact on our organization as participants and Junior Advisory Board members.”

The academy, evolving from a long-standing First Tee event, honors former CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr., who led the organization from 2000 to 2017.

First Tee partners with RISE, a national leader in social justice within sports, to facilitate workshops during the academy.