Soroptimists is an organization of women whose members volunteer in their communities often working on the same problems that you do. Volunteering is its own reward, it feels good to be recognized for your actions and that’s why SIORF sponsors these awards.
The Ruby Award honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts are making a difference in the lives of women and girls Their work has had a significant impact on other women by inspiring and encouraging them. That woman receives $250 and $250 to the entity of her choice.
The 2018 Ruby Award winner is Patty Vaughan. Patty has served on the board for Caring Place since it’s beginning in 1986, making sure that women and families in need, get what they need along with childbirth and parenting classes.
Patty is the only high school teacher at Forks Alternative School a job she has held since 1993. She has won many awards for her work including the Golden Apple Award from PBS. Patty was nominated by Katie Krueger.
Live Your Dream Award is for women who are the head of their household and pursuing education to make a better life for themselves and their family. Each year, $1,000 goes to one recipient, who may use the funds to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education.
The winner of the Live Your Dream Award for 2018 is Tawnya Rowley. She is the mother of 4 children, ages 10, 14, 15 and 17 and she is the sole support of her family. Tawnya, a former addict and 12 years clean, would like to return to school to further her education in Chemical Dependency Counseling.
The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women between the ages of 14-17 who make the community and the world a better place through their volunteer efforts. For this award, $250 goes to the winner and $250 to the charity of her choice.
Our 2018 Violet Richardson award winner is Chelsea Biciunas. Chelsea is 17 and will be graduating this year from Forks High School. Chelsea has been active with Young Life since she was young.
SOROPTIMISTS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Each of these young ladies will receive $1,000, which will be mailed to their chosen college’s admissions office in the Fall. Funds for these scholarships are generated from the annual Festival of Trees.
Marissa Bailey has been accepted to Gonzaga University where she will pursue a career in Physical Therapy to help people live their best life by rehabilitating their injuries.
Gabriella Damron has been accepted to Washington State University where she plans to study to be a veterinarian.
Enid Ensastegui Salazar has been accepted to the University of Washington where she plans to study to be a Registered Dietitian hoping to help with eating disorders and body images.
HULL FAMILY
SCHOLARSHIPS
In September 2017 SIORF was invited to oversee the Hull Family funds gifted for Forks which included several thousand dollars in scholarships for current graduated and previous year renewals. The Hull family built and operated Peninsula Telecom for many years in the West End.
These students will receive a scholarship of $2,340 each and it is renewable next year.
Scott Archibald has been accepted to Gonzaga University and plans to study pre-med or biology with plans to attend medical school.
Enid Ensastique Salazar has been accepted to the University of Washington where she plans to study to be a Registered Dietitian hoping to help with eating disorders and body images.
Gabriella Damron has been accepted to Washington State University where she plans to study to be a veterinarian.
Chelsea Biciunas has been accepted at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, and plans to be a teacher to young students.
Marissa Bailey has been accepted to Gonzaga University where she will pursue a career in Physical Therapy to help people live their best life by rehabilitating their injuries.
Samuel Gomez-Ahilon has been accepted to Columbia Basin College where he will study to be a Medical Interpreter.
Savanah Norbisrath has been accepted to Western Washington University in Bellingham where she will pursue a degree as a Speech & Language Pathologist and return to our community to give back helping others.
HULL FAMILY RENEWAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2017 GRADUATES
Edwin Cisneros is attending Peninsula College to learn welding (metallurgy).
Kenneth Turner attended Peninsula College seeking a AA degree in Business Administration.
Skyler DeMatties is attending Central Washington University hoping to be accepted into a nursing program since she has all her prerequisites completed.
Lauren Decker is attending Western Washington University as a Communication Studies premajor and is planning to double minor in English and Public Relations.
Maya Trettevik is attending Western Washington University and because she wants to help people and families she is looking toward a degree in Human Services, with a minor in Sociology.
Peyton Rondeau is attending Central Washington University hoping to earn a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics.
The Diane Demorest Scholarship
The Diane Demorest Scholarship is $1,000 and is for a person who is seeking a career in the medical field. Diane was only 45 when she passed of Ovarian Cancer. Her love of nursing and caring for people lives on through this scholarship named in her honor. This year their are three recipients
Angela Pursley is married and the mother of three children who lives here in Forks. She has bachelor’s degree in Nursing and has worked as a nurse in Acute Care and later as a hospice nurse. She has been accepted into the graduate nursing program at Washington State University.
Reece Moody is attending Washington State University and has completed his prerequisites to begin their nursing program to which he has been accepted.
Vern Rondeau is a graduate of Forks High School and the nursing program at Peninsula College. He is a RN who has worked at Forks Community Hospital and is currently the Clinic Lead RN for the Quileute tribe.
