Soroptimists award $36,000 in scholarships, grants
Soroptimist International of Whitefish presented $36,000 in scholarships and grants to Flathead Valley area students at a recognition dinner April 22.
Both award categories listed were increased from previous years to benefit more students with career goals in service to others.
The Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” awards provide cash grants to women working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Eligible women are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents, and are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program.
This year’s “Live Your Dream” award recipients and their area of study include:
Gina Sullivan — Whitefish, Flathead Valley Community College, surgical technology
Charlene Karberg — Columbia Falls, FVCC, physical therapy assistant
Sylvia Malaga — Whitefish, Childbirth International, doula
Melanie Petticrew-Charlo — Salish Kootenai College, business administration
Aysia Potter — Columbia Falls, FVCC, nursing
Brittany Ironmaker — St. Ignatius, Salish Kootenai College, nursing or dental assistant
Stacy Jackson — Kalispell, FVCC, nursing
Courtney Stinger — Ronan, biology
Memorial scholarships were awarded to high school senior boys and girls based on academic achievements, financial need and career goals in service to others. This year the program has been expanded to include all five area high schools.
Recipients include:
Keegan Wold and Annie Robertson, Whitefish High School
Kaylee Ashe, Taylor Jarret and Cassidy Norick, Columbia Falls High School
Cassandra Praxel, Kayla Praxel, Layton Praxel, Hallie Nikunen, Lindsey Hammel and Ashley Hammel, Glacier High School
Jade Ware, Chloe Erb, Cole Dykhuizen, Amy Smith, Jessica Workman and Lily Briney, Flathead High School
Hailey Boisvert, Anna Naylor and Hannah Crutsinger, Bigfork High School