Two single mothers were among the recipients
Soroptimist International of Indian Rock (SIIR) recently presented needs-based educational grants to 12 local college-bound women. “No matter what limitations we face due to the pandemic, we need to reach beyond them to support the women and girls we work to raise up.” said Eileen Conner, SIIR President.
This year, SIIR presented two grants from their mission-centric Soroptimist Dream Program.
The awards were presented to two single mothers who will enter or continue their four-year study at colleges in the fall.
Karen Lieber, who is on a course to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, was presented with the “Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award.”
Jessica Mariano received the 2021 “Ginny Cooper Live Your Dream Award.”
In receiving the award, Karen said, “An associates degree in Criminal Justice would allow me to work as a probation officer and help people with addiction issues seek treatment or better their lives.”
Of the 10 students receiving scholarships, four were high school graduates each receiving an SIIR Scholarship award for the first year of college.
Continuing Education Scholarship awards were given to six college students, some of whom have been supported through all four years of their college careers. Awards were underwritten by SIIR, the Kathleen and Glenn Meyer Memorial Fund and Frances Snow Memorial Fund.
Eileen (Peanut) Finnigan of Frames Plus, Inc. was presented with the Community Partner of the Year Award for her continuous support and the generosity of her business in making a difference in the lives of women and girls.
Soroptimist International of Indian Rock is a chapter of the global women’s organization, Soroptimist International of the Americas, whose members volunteer to provide women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
For more information about Soroptimist, visit www.investindreams.org or www.soroptimist.org.