Soroptimist honors local students

Soroptimist of Cypress recently hosted its 34th Annual Scholarship and Service Award Reception honoring young women and service organizations in the local community.
Four Kay Moyer Memorial Scholarships, in honor of a former Cypress Soroptimist, were awarded to young women who excel academically, are leaders in their school and are dedicated to community service. This year’s recipients are: Denise Chacanaca–Los Alamitos High School; Heewon Kim–Los Alamitos High School; Stephanie Peralta–Cypress High School; Francesca Zaffino–Pacifica High School.
The mission of Soroptimist is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
In addition to a Quartermania fundraiser the club has dedicated funders for its scholarship programs: Ron Moyer and Carole Fujishiro.
Soroptimist International of America’s “Live Your Dream” program assists women who, as head of their households, must enter or return to the work force or upgrade their employment status. This financial award program enables women to gain the additional education and skills training they need to provide adequately for themselves and their families. This year’s Soroptimist of Cypress “Live Your Dream” recipients are Danielle M. Redd, Esmeralda Soto, Nicole A. Kaiwi, Roxanne Marie Dockery, Liezel Lauguico, Jessica Valdez.
Several community agencies also received checks from Cypress Soroptimist recognizing their ongoing work to benefit women and children. Cypress Boys and Girls Club, Cypress Children’s Advocacy Council, H.O.P.E. – Helping Other People Everyday, and the Hotline of Southern California each received a donation.
Soroptimist of Cypress always welcomes new members. Two of the club’s signature programs empowering young women are the SMART Girls, a 10-week program in conjunction with the Cypress Boys and Girls Club, and the Dream It Be It vision and goal setting program for eighth graders. If you are interested in making new friends, helping your community, advancing the status of women, sharing fun and goals, then the club would love to hear from you.
For more information about joining Cypress Soroptimist contact Stacy Berry at 714-679-4606 or StacyBerry2014@sbcglobal.net.

This article appeared in the May 31, 2017 print edition of the News Enterprise.