The Soroptimist International of Cypress held its 31st Annual Scholarship and Service Award reception on May 28 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cypress. The night capped off a successful year of fundraising and community service. Dignitaries joining members in celebrating the awardees included Mayor Pro Tem Rob Johnson, Chief of Police Jackie Gomez – Whiteley and Soroptimist International District 1 Governor Elect Susan Gibley.
Three types of Scholarship awards were presented as well as several service awards.
The first presentation was made by member Donna Kastner for the Kay Moyer Memorial Scholarship of which there were six awardees. The scholarship is named for past member Kay Moyer and is open to female students who have excelled academically, who are involved in community service, and who will be attending an accredited college or university following graduation.
The second presentation was for the Women’s Opportunity Award was made by Soroptimist member Linda Sunley. The program assists women who as head of their households must enter or return to the work force or upgrade their employment status. The financial award program enables these women to gain the additional education and skills training they need to adequately provide for themselves and their families. The awards in part were funded by a grant received from the Bandai Foundation.
The final Scholarship presentation was the Marya L Blackwell Memorial Dine College Scholarship. Dine College is accredited and the Higher Education Institute of the Navajo Nation since 1968. The scholarship was renamed this year in memory of past member Marya Blackwell who often took on individual projects to help support the funding and continuance. Funding provided to Dine from Soroptimist will provide tuition for a selected student for a full year.
Service Award presentations were made by Jamie Krakowski to Breast Cancer Angels, the Boys and Girls Club, Cypress Children’s Advocacy Council, Girl Scouts of America, H.O.P.E and the Hotline of Southern California.
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. SI Cypress meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s of the month at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cypress.
