Awards & Scholarships

Service and Awards Co-Chairs Barbara Endrody and Kristine Schmaltz with Zoe Gilkey, recipient of the 2018 Violet Richardson Award.

SI La Conner Award and Scholarship Programs:
(Scroll down for details on each program)

• The Live Your Dream Award
• The Violet Richardson Award
• The Ruby Award
• Fellowship Award
• Vocational/Technical Award
• High School Scholarships

The Live Your Dream Award

• Awarded annually to a single head of household seeking a four year college degree
• Application (link)
• Local award amount:  $3,000
• Regional:  $3,000 – $5,000
• National:  $10,000

Award recipient Kate Morgan was able to finish her education thanks to her Live Your Dream award. She is now a successful Life Coach, author, and public speaker.

The goal of the Live Your Dream Award is to offer cash grants to help women improve their economic status by preparing them to enter, or re-enter, the workplace. The award can be used for books, child care, transportation or any other expense that will help a woman reach her educational goals.  Local award recipients then become eligible to receive region-level awards.

Every year, 28 geographic regions throughout North, Central and South America, as well as Asia, each grant one $5,000 first-place award and two or more $3,000 awards. These 28 first-place recipients become eligible to receive one of three $10,000 finalist awards. Four of SILC’s winners have gone on to receive additional awards at the regional level, one taking first place – an amazing achievement for a community of this size.

Live Your Dream Award recipient, Rebecca Larsen, used her award for tuition at Northwest Indian College.

Since 1972, nearly $25 million has been disbursed by Soroptimist International, helping more than 30,000 women retrain for higher-level jobs. Since adopting this award as one of our signature programs, we have granted over $16,500 to local women. For information on eligibility and how to apply, visit the Soroptimist International of the Americas Live Your Dream site.

 Testimonials:
“I think you ladies are very special and I’m glad I live in the same community.  If I can ever help you in any way,  please let me know”  J.S.

“I have chosen this particular card adorned with a Lighthouse as it symbolizes hope, support and guidance for me on my journey.  Soroptimist is that Lighthouse.”  R.

The Violet Richardson Award

• Awarded annually to a high school student for outstanding volunteer service
• Application (a writeable PDF file will download to your computer/device)
• Local award amount: $1,000

Named after Violet Richardson Ward, the first president of the first Soroptimist club and a woman passionate about volunteer service, this award honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 whose volunteer efforts make a significant difference in the lives of other girls and women by helping the disadvantaged; by fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty.

Testimonials:
“It made me feel very good about myself and the activities that I do.”   K.D.

“You have given me a great opportunity in contributing toward my education”  B.H.

The Ruby Award 

• Awarded annually to women making a difference in the community
• Referrals are obtained from members/organizations in the community.
• Local award amount: $1,000 given to a charity of recipient’s choice

This award acknowledges women who, through their personal or professional activities, work locally to significantly improve the lives of those in the community. Project examples include building mentoring programs and supporting the local food bank.

 Testimonials:
“The bond continues with these great women”      K.B.

“The honor of being selected…was an affirmation that my hours…were a job well done. We could not stay strong without the support of friends like you all.”    L.B.

2015 Award Recipients. Back row, L to R: Stanley and Marilyn Frey, Victoria Last, Willy Christmas, Holly Christmas, Zach Harris, Sofie Thulen, Olivia Hanstad, Jillian Bruce, and Rebecca Larsen. In Front, L to R: Juliette Scott and Kaylan Dawson. (Not pictured: Kasey Swanson)

Back row, L to R: Stanley and Marilyn Frey, Victoria Last, Willy Christmas, Holly Christmas, Zach Harris, Sofie Thulen, Olivia Hanstad, Jillian Bruce, and Rebecca Larsen. In Front, L to R: Juliette Scott and Kaylan Dawson. (Not pictured: Kasey Swanson)

Fellowship Award

• Awarded annually to a woman seeking a post graduate degree
• Referrals are obtained from members/organizations in the community
• Local award amount:  $1,000

This award is presented to a woman who is seeking to further her education by obtaining a Post-graduate (Masters or Doctorate) degree from a credited college or university.  She is expected to conduct her business or practice her profession with competence and high ethical standards.

Testimonials:
“Many have believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, but I trusted these people such that I could start the work ahead.  What you do for women is powerful.  Often…there is someone listening who can relate and in that relationship a seed is planted that she too can get up and get out of a situation.”    R.G.                                                                               

Vocational/Technical Award

• Awarded annually to a woman seeking a degree in the vocational technical field
• Referrals are obtained from members/organizations in the community
• Local award amount:  $3,000

This award is given to a woman seeking to further her educational opportunities in the vocational/technical field.  This applies to undergraduate or post graduate study.

High School Scholarships

With costs soaring and the ability of many deserving students to attend college threatened, Soroptimist of La Conner is pleased to be able to present scholarships each spring to graduating students who will attend an accredited two or four year undergraduate program. The number of students receiving scholarships and the amount given varies from year to year. To date, we’ve given out more than $100,000 in scholarships.