Soroptimists from South Whidbey, Coupeville and Oak Harbor will gather at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor to present their Live Your Dream Awards, celebrating what it means to be a woman who dares to dream and reach for the stars.
Not only will attendees hear inspiring stories from grant and scholarship winners, but they will meet Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, a retired US Navy captain. As this year’s keynote speaker and Oak Harbor resident, Capt. Piper will talk about her experiences as a NASA astronaut that included two space shuttle missions and numerous space walks.
Anyone with a dream that reaches into outer space will thrill to hear Capt. Piper’s message.
Since 1972, the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award has dispensed more than $25 million to women who have overcome poverty, domestic and sexual violence, divorce, the death of a spouse or other life challenges.
Recipients may use the cash grants to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain additional education or training.
The 2017 Live Your Dream Opportunity Scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior girl seeking post high school education and training following her graduation in June.
At a time when national politics involving women’s issues has reached an equally fevered pitch at local levels, and many Whidbey Island women have responded by joining marches and public political dialogues, members of Whidbey Island’s Soroptimist Clubs continue to work tirelessly — funding grants, scholarships and local programs that directly benefit women and girls on the Island.
Soroptimists believe the most effective way to empower women and girls is by providing them with resources to improve their economic and social standing — for themselves, their families and their communities.
The 2017 Soroptimist Awards and Scholarships Banquet will honor women who dare to dream and are reaching for the stars.
All community members are cordially invited to join the celebration and meet some very inspiring women. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the Soroptimist Thrift Store Upscale Resale, 210 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor or at Jones Accounting, 1199 SE Dock St., Oak Harbor.
