Local Soroptimist club presents education awards to 16 women

For the 46th year, Soroptimist International of Indian Rock (SIIR) celebrated the presentation of its education awards. During its June 6th awards ceremony, the club presented 16 need-based educational grants for 2018, topping the number and range of awards in any year.

“We’ve had the good fortune to be able to support even more college bound young women this year. And we’ve expanded support for women with families seeking an education. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our members, their families and the community,” said SIIR president Eileen Conner.

Two awards were presented to single mothers. The Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women, the signature award of Soroptimist International of the Americas, is reserved for a woman who has overcome enormous obstacles and has become her family’s primary source of financial support. In receiving the award, Gwynedd Mercy University sophomore Jennifer Edinger said, “This award will help me become the trauma nurse I aspire to be. And it will improve our chance of financial stability after graduation.” The Ginny Cooper Women Helping Women award was presented to Penn State nursing student Heather Russell.

A total of 14 students were presented with scholarship awards. Nine high school graduates received SIIR Scholarship Awards for their first year of college. Continuing Education Scholarship awards were given to five college students, some of which will be supported through all four years of their college careers. Awards were underwritten by SIIR, the Ruth and Warren Meyer Memorial Fund and Kathy Lynch Memorial Fund.

SIIR moral support is often seen as important as financial support by recipients.

“Ongoing contact helps these young women believe they are and will continue to be successful,” said Nancy Montvydas, senior director of development with Soroptimist International of the Americas. Sabrina Nicoletti, a four-year SIIR scholarship recipient, said, “Soroptimist International of Indian Rock believed in me so much that I started to believe in myself. I aspire to be like these women and will forever remain grateful for their efforts in guiding me.”

More than 100 guests attended the awards event held at the Spring Mill Country Club which has been the home of SIIR for 25 years. In recognition of the club’s long partnership with SIIR, Chief Operating Officer Alison DePaul-Schmitt, was surprised with the SIIR Community Partner of the Year award.

Soroptimist International of Indian Rock is a chapter of the global women’s organization, Soroptimist International of the Americas, whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.