Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest is once again offering three Scholarships of $1,000 each to any female high school graduate with strong ties to the West End of Clallam County and who has been accepted into a college/technical school. Scholarship applications are available at the counselors office at FHS and should be mailed to P.O. Box 502 and are due April 15.

Soroptimists are also offering two $500 CNA scholarships for the summer CNA class being offered at Forks Community Hospital to applicants in need.

If you are interested, contact Annie Crippen at anniec@forkshospital.org. Applications for the class are due by May 10.

Diane Demorest Scholarship

Diane Demorest was only 45 when she died of cancer, but her legacy is alive through an annual scholarship named in her honor and given by Soroptimists International of the Olympic Rain Forest or SIORF. Applications are now being accepted by SIORF to anyone with ties to the West End of Clallam County who has been accepted into a medical field or nursing program.

Diane grew up in Forks and worked as a nurse’s aide at Forks Community Hospital before beginning her 25-year career in nursing. She graduated from the Peninsula College Nursing Program in 1977 and was later sponsored by Forks Community Hospital to complete nurse practitioner training in Oregon.

Until her illness, she worked as a family nurse practitioner in Forks, Clallam Bay, La Push and at the Olympic Corrections Center. To many, she was a caring medical provider who went above and beyond. She also was an exceptional friend and volunteer.

Among service organizations such Friends of Forks Animals and West End Hospice, Diane was a longtime member and past president of Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rain Forest.

She was dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls here in the West End and throughout the world.

After her death, SIORF established the annual scholarship in loving memory of Diane and has awarded thousands of dollars to local students who are pursuing a degree in nursing or a medical field.

Applications can be picked up at the Peninsula College Forks Branch or at Forks Community Hospital nurses stations, are due April 15 and should be mailed to SIORF, P.O. Box 502 Forks, WA 98331.