The OMYGA's season ending awards took place on October 25th, 2008 at the Dr. J. B. Callahan Center, in downtown Orlando, Florida. The Vivienne Lewis Awards Banquet event brought to an end the OMYGA's 19th year of operation. The new season will begin next Spring.

The evening was a mix of inspirational talk, historical perspective, musical interlude and special acknowledgements which segued into a presentation of medals and award to volunteers and students who were able to complete the season.

Long time sponsors such as the City of Orlando, Tavistock Foundation, Walt Disney World and the management of the Dubsdread Golf Course received acknowledgements and thanks from the Group. This year the key note speaker was City Commissioner Daisy Lynum, who gave assembled guests and club members a glimpse of her humble upbringings.

She encouraged the audience of focused youth and parents to see the world, to travel, to learn new language, and to explore. She shared her early philosophy that it was better to be poor in college than be poor at home. Lynum echoed the hopes of her generation by urging the next descents to break thru their enclaves and to discard all poverty of aspiration.

OMYGA architect, Dr. Dorsey, used the occasion to respond to a direct and suspected question quietly pondered by many, "Why do you do, what you do with the Orlando Minority Youth Golf Association?" His response exposed his commitment to the organization and the students.

"There are many problems in the world, he said, and no one person can solve them all. I reasoned that if I was going to do my bit for humanity then I would have to choose something in which to exert my energies, time and resources. I chose to help disadvantaged children using golf as a vehicle."

The OMYGA short list of accomplishments for the year included the 20 strong club members who qualified for High School Teams in both Seminole and Orange counties. Notables were the teams representing Timber Creek High, Lake Howell High and Edgewater High Schools. The OMYGA girls handled the competition like ducks to water and were most successful.

Joe Killebrew had a great year that include participation of the USGA Athletic Scholar Games in Rhode Island and captured the crown for Player of the year 2008. The co-spot was shared with Joe Morrison.

Consistent, quality play landed high school sophomore, Mia Campbell, with the female player of the year award this season.

Four teams competed at the in the Florida State Junior Golf Tournament.

There were Ohio meets, the Bryon Brooks's Church Tournament, and the After School All Star Golf Classic in which club members adequately showcased the talent of the club.

Wrapping up the evening were the presentation of awards to the many who had traveled along the "royal road" of golf for the past 36 weeks.

Thirty six weeks and some hours later, the triumphant and beaming youngsters received their rewards in front of satisfied and encouraging parents.

As with most occasions, the audience feted and feasted in the beautiful Callahan Center that was remodeled for the occasion. Mrs. Virgie Dorsey has a great eye for color and the spectrum selected for the banquet was both formal and fun. The festive din of chatter and laughter filled up the late evening and ended the perfectly pleasant hours of the OMYGA's reflection on its 19th year.

During golf's chilly season, OMYGA will continue to prepare for the heat of the new year's competition. The club's journey men and women to watch:

Boys: Joe Killebrew, Joe Morrison, Terry Attis and Mitra Lutchman.

Girls: Mia Campbell, Emily Montero and SeQuoya Killebrew.