The Awards and Scholarships on this page are brought to the community by Best for Women Committee.
Violet Richardson Award
Named for the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Violet Richardson Award honors girls who are making a difference through volunteer service. Each year, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor honors girls who donate their time and energy to causes that make the community and world a better place – such as working to end discrimination and poverty, assisting women and children who are victims of domestic violence, or mentoring young girls. Recipients receive a monetary award from our local club and become eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. One winner is chosen to receive a finalist award, which includes a contribution of $2,500 to the charitable organization of the recipient’s choice.
Download a Violet Ricahrdson Award application here or application forms are also available in the Career Center at Friday Harbor High School, at Spring Street School and from Joyce Sobel 378-4921 or jsobel at rockisland.com. Submit it to Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250. Applications are due in December.
Women’s Opportunity Award
The Women’s Opportunity Awards program is Soroptimist’s major service project. This is an award intended to assist women in overcoming personal difficulties and bettering their lives through education and skills training. The women who receive the award may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as tuition, books, childcare, or transportation. The award is offered to a woman who is primary wage earner in the household pursuing an undergraduate or vocational degree.
This year, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor has made $2500 available for this award for a woman in San Juan County. Club recipients then become eligible for additional cash awards at other levels of the organization, including three $10,000 finalist awards. (This award is not a scholarship, and is therefore taxable for U.S. citizens.)
Many Women’s Opportunity Award recipients have overcome enormous obstacles in their quest for a better life, including poverty, domestic violence, and drug and alcohol abuse. Each year, more than $800,000 is disbursed through awards at various levels of the organization to help women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Since the Women’s Opportunity Awards program began in 1972, it is estimated that $15 million has been disbursed and more than 20,000 women have been assisted. In 2003, The Women’s Opportunity Awards program received the Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives’ Associations Advance America program.
Download a Women’s Opportunity Award application here or pick one up at The Toy Box in Friday Harbor. Submit it to Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250. Contact Chair Kristine Odle 298-2577 for any help in filling out form. Applications are due for this award in December.
Ruby Award – Making a Difference
Formerly the Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award, the newly named Soroptimist Ruby Award honors the first federation president, Ruby Lee Minar. A ruby is also a deep red gemstone associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, vivacity, power and love: all words embodying the strong and compassionate women who are our award recipients.
The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. The program enables local Soroptimist clubs and the Soroptimist organization to thank these women and encourage others to explore ways to assist women and girls.
Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor program begins at the local-level where the club recognizes a woman in their community. Award winners at the club level are then eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. The finalist receives a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization of her choice.
Download a Ruby Award application here. For more information about the Ruby Award please contact either Anita Barreca 370-5795 or Bette Cantrell 370-5683. Submit it to Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor, PO Box 2856, Friday Harbor, Washington, 98250. Applications are due in January.
Youth of Distinction Award
Given the challenges faced by the students today, Soroptimist annually awards a Youth of Distinction plaque to high school student who has overcome obstacles or who has helped others to do so. We look for someone with heart, character, and a strong sense of self and belief who has contributed to the community and others. The student is chosen by the teachers of Friday Harbor High School. This award is given in the Spring at a special school assembly. For more information please contact Lenore Bayuk 378-3636 or bayukll@rockisland.com.
High School Scholarships
Soroptimist International Friday Harbor is proud to award selected graduating high school students with scholarships during the Graduation Ceremony in June. For more information please contact Lenore Bayuk 378-3636 or bayukll@rockisland.com.
Professional Technical/Vocational Scholarship
This is a scholarship is awarded to a woman enrolled in a Technical or Vocational non-degree program leading to a certificate or license. Applicants must reside in the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas and currently be enrolled in a professional or technical certificate program. For more information please contact Lenore Bayuk 378-3636 or bayukll@rockisland.com.
Fellowship Award
This award supports women residing in the Northwestern Region who are returning to school for postgraduate study in an accredited college or university leading to an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.). For more information please contact Lenore Bayuk 378-3636 or bayukll@rockisland.com.
