(Contributed photo)
WATSONVILLE — Twelve students from Pajaro Valley Unified School District received a total of $36,500 from Soroptimist International of Watsonville.
One of the awards given includes a $20,000 scholarship, which honors Lorraine Scott, who was a charter member. This award, established in 1997, specifically supports a Watsonville High School graduate who will be attending a four-year college.
This year’s $20,000 scholarship award winner was Michelle Ramirez-Trejo. She will be attending UC Los Angeles and studying to be a physician in the cognitive science field. This year marked the 20th young woman to receive this award.
“These awards speak directly to our mission to improve the lives of young women, and help them as they work toward a brighter future,” said Janet Krupa, a member of the application review committee.
The Lorraine Scott Scholarship Committee reads every application, and conducts personal interviews. The award winners are announced at the individual high school awards banquets.
“It’s the most emotional moment, when these young women hear their names called,” Krupa said.
The Watsonville Soroptimists also awarded $7,500 to four young women at a dinner in April. These women were recipients of the annual Live Your Dream awards.
“These awards are only possible through the generous support of people in our community,” said Mary Kashmar, Soroptimist secretary. “Individual donations, and guests who come to our annual fundraising event in October, are crucial in keeping these awards vibrant every year.”
In additional to its awards program, Soroptimist International of Watsonville also supports the Dream It Be It program, which provides girls in secondary school with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams.
For information on Soroptimist International of Watsonville, visit www.siwatsonville.org.
