Continuing on its commitment to make golf more accessible and affordable for kids, Bank of America today announced the return of Golf with Us. Children, ages 6-18, are invited to enroll in Golf with Us to access tee times for $5 or less to thousands of courses across Bank of America’s 97 markets through a free one-year membership to Youth on Course.

In its inaugural year, Bank of America’s Golf with Us drew nearly 100,000 youth participants from every state, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, with members logging more than 100,000 rounds of golf nationwide. Of those members, more than 22,000 were girls including many first-time golfers. This year, the Bank hopes to enroll 150,000 kids in Golf with Us.

“Our belief in the power of sport to bring people together and broaden opportunity is reinforced by our partnerships that help us build stronger client connections, support local economies and inspire future generations,” said Brian Moynihan, Chair and CEO of Bank of America. “In its first year, Golf with Us has helped nearly 100,000 kids learn invaluable life skills, and we look forward to building on this momentum with Rory’s terrific support and partners like Youth on Course.”

Golf with Us returns on golf’s grandest stage – the 2026 Masters Tournament, where Bank of America serves as a Champion Partner. The bank’s newest marketing campaign reimagines the sport’s most iconic Masters moments with Golf with Us members featuring:

• Jack Nicklaus’ iconic putt for birdie on the 17th in 1986 to secure sole possession of the lead
• Bubba Watson’s escape from the pine straw on the 10th enroute to a 2012 Masters victory
• Rory McIlroy’s shot of a lifetime on the 15th hole and celebration on 18 after securing his long-awaited green jacket in 2025

“I remember being a kid trying to copy everything the players I looked up to did, the swing, the mannerisms, all of it. The idea of a young kid recreating that shot on 15 really resonated with me,” said McIlroy. “Golf teaches powerful life lessons, how to compete, stay patient, and handle setbacks, and those lessons shape who you become. Opening access to the game is key to giving more kids that opportunity.”

Inspired by the campaign, McIlroy will donate $500,000 to Youth on Course, which will help fund 70,000 rounds for members in the months ahead.

While discounted tee times remain a core offering, Golf with Us benefits also include:

• NEW IN 2026: Expanded access for indoor play with $5 golf simulator rentals and a free lesson from a PGA Pro at any Golf Galaxy and DICK’s House of Sport location
• NEW IN 2026: Mentor-led golf experiences through a partnership with Watson Links
• A registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) system
• Complimentary access to GolfPass
• Continued development and learning opportunities through the PGA of America REACH Foundation

Throughout the spring and summer, Bank of America will also host thousands of kids at free Golf with Us clinics across the country where golf legends and celebrities with a passion for golf serve as instructors, sharing fundamental golf skills and life lessons while helping children feel a sense of belonging within the sport. In 2025, more than 1,500 kids participated in these clinics across 25 markets alongside golf legend Annika Sorenstam, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Davis, World Series Champions Ryan Zimmerman and Jackie Bradley, Jr., and former U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Jozy Altidore, among dozens of others.

Last year, more than 990 kids from Central Florida and East Central Florida took advantage of the offer and played 880 rounds.

The local courses included for 2026 are:

• Eagle Creek Golf Club
• Falcons Fire Golf Club
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• The Tooth – Orange County National GC
• Kings Ridge Golf Club – Kings Course
• Redtail Golf Club – Ridge Course
• Green Valley Country Club
• Arlington Ridge Golf Club
• Savanna Club Golf Course
• The Links at Spruce Creek South
• Oceans Golf Club
• Crane Lakes Golf and Country Club
• Cypress Head Golf Club
• Hidden Lakes Golf Club
• Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club
• Cocoa Beach Country Club – Dolphin Course
• Cocoa Beach Country Club – Lakes Course
• Cocoa Beach Country Club – River Course
• Sebastian Golf Club

“Our partnership with Bank of America has been a gamechanger for Youth on Course, accelerating our mission and scaling our impact in communities across the country,” said Adam Heieck, Chief Executive Officer, Youth on Course. “As Youth on Course proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, Bank of America’s support has not only inspired tens of thousands of new young golfers but also expanded our network by adding over 100 municipal course locations and counting, ensuring that kids have safe, affordable places to play in their communities.”

Golf with Us is free and open to the first 150,000 new participants who enroll before June 15. Returning Golf with Us participants can renew their annual membership with an exclusive 20% discount offer, courtesy of Bank of America. Interested families can learn more about the Golf with Us program and enroll by visiting the Bank of America Golf with Us page.

The post Reigning Masters Champion Rory McIlroy makes $500,000 Donation to Youth on Course to Fund 70,000 Rounds for Kids through Golf with Us appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The post Groveland’s Annual Easter Celebrated On April 4 appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Central Florida Dreamplex is excited to announce new ways for the community to support its inclusive vocational training program through Friendly Grounds Community Café at The Friendship Place, including the launch of the Community Cup Club membership program, expanded DoorDash delivery, online ordering, and new Friendly Grounds merchandise.

Friendly Grounds Community Café provides individuals of all abilities with hands-on vocational training in a real-world café environment, helping them build confidence, develop job skills, and prepare for future employment opportunities. Every purchase made at the café directly supports programming at Central Florida Dreamplex and creates meaningful opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.

To deepen community engagement, Friendly Grounds has launched the Community Cup Club, a monthly membership program that allows supporters to enjoy their favorite beverages while supporting the café’s mission.

Membership tiers include:

• Lil’ Sip – $10/month – 2 drinks per month

• The Regular – $20/month – 5 drinks per month

• Brew Crew – $35/month] –  10 drinks per month

• Daily Drip – $65/month – 1 drink per day

Members can redeem any drink, any size, during café hours, making it an easy way to support inclusion while enjoying great coffee.

In addition to the membership program, Friendly Grounds is expanding access to its café offerings with DoorDash delivery, allowing customers throughout the community to enjoy their favorite drinks and café items from home or the office.

Supporters can also visit the café’s online store to purchase beverages, support programs, and browse the new Friendly Grounds merchandise line, which includes branded items that help spread awareness of the mission while supporting the vocational training program.

“Friendly Grounds is more than a café, it’s a place where confidence, community, and opportunity are brewed every day,” said Cameron Gomes, CEO of Central Florida Dreamplex. “Every cup of coffee served represents a step toward greater independence and meaningful employment for the individuals we serve.”

Located at The Friendship Place, Friendly Grounds is part of Central Florida Dreamplex’s broader effort to create inclusive environments where individuals of all abilities can learn, grow, and thrive.

Community members are encouraged to visit the café, join the Community Cup Club, order through DoorDash, shop online, and explore the new Friendly Grounds merchandise collection. Love the coffee you get at the café? You can recreate that experience in your own kitchen by ordering our coffee products through our online store.

To learn more or join the Community Cup Club, visit: www.cfldreamplex.com/friendly-grounds

About Central Florida Dreamplex

Central Florida Dreamplex is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapy, education, vocational training, adaptive sports, and social programs for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Through innovative programs and community partnerships, Dreamplex empowers individuals to live fuller, more independent lives.

The post Central Florida Dreamplex Launches Friendly Grounds Community Café Membership Program and Expands Online Ordering appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

The post High School Soccer Playoffs Begin This Week for South Lake Area Teams appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Among the volunteers were athletes from the junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams, led by Coach Jola Graham, who saw the event as a powerful team-building opportunity. Other students were allowed to sign up to volunteer for this event as well. The school provided transportation, and the bus rolled out at 7:30 am, filled with students ready to make a difference.

Over 2,500 volunteers gathered for the event, energized by music from a live DJ and united by a shared purpose. In just over four hours, the collective effort resulted in 1,023,675 protein-rich, vegan meals that were distributed to 65 local pantries, including several right here in Lake County—a testament to the power of community action.

Montverde Academy students were all smiles throughout the day, proud to be part of something bigger than themselves.

“Going to the light Orlando event was beyond a great experience,” said sophomore Gabi Carvalho. “It was an opportunity to help the community while having fun especially because we went as a team.”

“I had wonderful experience,” said senior Petar Ratkovic. “It was a fun and amazing way to connect with new people. We were laughing while at the same time helping with preparations. This experience helped me to have a deeper respect for people in need and showed me how hard it is to cook and prepare meals. It also showed me that I should enjoy and appreciate every bite of food because we are fortunate to have daily meals on our plate.”

For students looking to get involved in future service opportunities, HelperHelper.com is the service hour tracking and opportunity platform to search. Upper School students can log in using their school email and password. Students may also find projects on their own in their local communities. 

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” On this day, Montverde Academy students answered with action, compassion, and heart

The post Montverde Academy Students Join Forces to Fight Hunger at Light Orlando’s Hunger Project appeared first on South Lake Tablet.

Model United Nations (MUN) Success

Our EagleMUN team shined at the GatorMUN XXII conference at the University of Florida, competing with over 1,000 delegates from 20 schools. Special shoutout to Jacob Novis, who earned Best Delegate and Camelia Berrada Allam, who received a Verbal Commendation!  Elissa Ghanem also took home Outstanding Delegate honors at FHSMUN 46.

Artistic Achievement

Huge congratulations to Jery Chen, whose incredible talent earned multiple Gold and Silver Key awards from the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers! Only 1% of applicants nationwide receive such high honors.

Robotics Excellence

Our Robotics team is heading to the VEX World Competition in Dallas this May after winning a tournament championship and the Excellence Award! Kudos to Benjamin Chiang, Johnny Drawdy, and Titus DeClercq for their outstanding performance!

Academic Honors

Phoenix Connick, Ali Cheema, and Leon Liu were named National Merit Finalists! A special congratulations to Isabella Lelles, selected for the prestigious Harvard Ventures-TECH Winter Fellowship!

Athletic Recognition

A round of applause for Agot Makeer and Aaliyah Crump, named McDonald’s All Americans for their exceptional athletic achievements!

From MUN to robotics, fine arts to athletics, our students continue to excel! Congratulations to all our Excellence winners!

The post MVA Celebrates Student Excellence Across Academics, Arts, and Athletics appeared first on South Lake Tablet.