There are many levels to the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association. Helping our members achieve future success is among our most important roles.

Below is a letter sent to us by SNJGA alumna and recent Univ. of San Francisco college graduate Riana Mission, a 2021 SNJGA/Walter M. Galyk Scholarship recipient. She was a college golf champion and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Dear Members of the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association and Walter M. Galyk Memorial Foundation,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the scholarship support of $5000 awarded in 2021 that you generously provided throughout my college years. Being selected as a recipient of this award was an incredible honor, and your support played a vital role in both my academic and athletic journey. Earlier this month, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of San Francisco with my Bachelor of Science in Data Science.

The SNJGA has given me so much—not only in terms of financial support, but also through lifelong memories and valuable experiences. Growing up in the program, I learned from incredible coaches, built lasting friendships with fellow junior golfers, and had the opportunity to represent Southern Nevada in events like the Girls Junior Americas Cup and the Mary Cave Cup. I will always cherish those team trips, junior tournaments, and special events that helped shape who I am.

Because of your generosity, I was able to fully dedicate myself to both my education and golf career. Your belief in me fueled my determination to succeed, and I’m proud to share some highlights from my collegiate journey at the University of San Francisco.

Academically, I was honored to receive the Data Institute Award as the outstanding graduating senior in Data Science. I also earned three selections each to the West Coast Conference (WCC) All-Academic Team and the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholars.

On the course, I earned four individual collegiate title wins, contributed to three team victories, and was named to the WCC All-Conference Team all four years. I qualified for the NCAA Regionals three times as either the first or second seed individual. At the end of my freshman year, I was recognized as the USF Athletics Newcomer of the Year, and I was honored as the USF Anne Dolan Female Athlete of the Year in both my junior and senior seasons. While doing all of the above, I earned the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Augusta National Women’s Amateur—a highlight of my amateur golf career.

Thank you again for your continued support and for making such a meaningful difference in my life. I am incredibly grateful to have been part of a community that nurtures young athletes and invests in their futures, and I will always carry forward the lessons and opportunities your generosity made possible.

With sincere appreciation,

Riana Mission