MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES — Every year, Soroptimist of The Sierras gives three cash awards for their Live Your Dream program to women completing their education. This year, at their award ceremony and spring tea luncheon, the applicants chosen to receive the $1,500 awards included Karen Wood, Sarah Howard, and Krystal Anderson.
Live Your Dream Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
The Soroptimist organization invests in women’s education because it transforms lives and communities. The Live Your Dream Awards has been recognized for its effectiveness and long-term impact. Since 1972, Soroptimist International distributed more than $30 million world-wide in education awards to 30,000 women making a better life for themselves and their families.
Two women were also given awards for their ongoing contribution to our mountain communities. The Woman of Distinction award was given to Jessica Trettin for volunteering and being on several committees in Oakhurst to strengthen our town.
The Women Helping Women award was given to Jenny Castillo, co-owner of Busy Bee Accounting Services. Jenny supports many organizations such as My Club (formerly Boys & Girls Club) and offers encouragement and inspiration to women and girls in our mountain community.
Five high school scholarships of $1,000 each from Soroptimist of The Sierras were given to young women graduating from Yosemite High School and Minarets High School.
Students who received the scholarships from Yosemite High School included Elva Gurule, Corra Montgomery and Jasmine Preciado. Minarets High School scholarships were given to Katelyn Mangan and Madelyn Phillips.
For more information about this event, please visit them on Facebook.
This Year’s Live Your Dream Program Winners
Karen Wood (left) and Soroptimist presenter Jenny Castillo (right).
Soroptimist presenter Jenny Castillo (left) and Sarah Howard (right).
Photo of Krystal Anderson not available. (Images by Nikki Van Velson)
Check out this great video of the 2023 “Dream It, Be It” Conference for Girls!
