WATSONVILLE — Soroptimist International of Watsonville celebrated the achievements of four local women at their Live Your Dream awards dinner on April 17 at the California Grill.
With family, friends and Watsonville Soroptimists in attendance, $7,000 in awards were presented to Lindsay Peterson, Ruth Castellanos, Krista Ostroskie and Angelina Geronimo.
Peterson is currently attending CSUMB with a major in Collaborative Health and Human Services. The mother of two girls, Peterson will be receiving an additional award at the Soroptimist International regional conference.
“This award shined a light in a difficult world,” she said. “I no longer feel hopeless.”
Castellanos, a single mother of four children, received her certification from the Center for Employment Training and is working as a custodian for the County Fair.
“This award really helps with my school expenses, and taking care of my family,” she said.
Ostroskie is working towards her associate degree in Cabrillo College’s Radiologic Technology Program. With four years of sobriety under her belt, she’s brought stability to her life and the lives of her two sons.
“I want a career,” Ostroskie said, “not just a series of part-time food service jobs. I’m on my way now.”
Geronimo received the first place award from the Watsonville Soroptimists as part of last year’s Live Your Dream award program. This year, she received a second-year follow-up award as she works to complete her degree in the Accelerated Nursing Program at Cabrillo College.
Geronimo had her first child when she was 17, and two additional children in the years following. After her sister was killed, leaving two children behind, Geronimo was suddenly a mother to five children.
“Without the help of people like the Watsonville Soroptimists, I never could have made it to where I am today,” Geronimo said.
Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. For information on Soroptimist International of Watsonville, visit www.siwatsonville.org.
(Contributed photo)
