Soroptimists Give $2,500 in Scholarships

By Rachel Dahl —  Soroptimists International of Fallon recently awarded their Live Your Dream scholarships totaling $2,500.  Award recipients were Crystal Smotherman as the first place awardee who is a single mom holding down two jobs and a Mary Kay business, all while coaching her 10-year-old daughter's youth sports teams. She is currently working toward her Associate's degree in accounting from WNC. Smotherman received an award of $,1250 and a gift certificate worth $400 to a local law firm for basic life services such as a will, etc. Ayanna Rooks is the second place recipient. She is a single mom of a little boy and works as a CNA while pursuing her degree in nursing from WNC. She also received $1,250. In making the presentation, Monica Fairbanks, who is the President Elect of the SI Fallon organization said that Soroptimists hope to support women as they are shaping their futures in a new direction.  “We love seeing the increase in self confidence and self esteem for having the courage to change their lives,” she said. “We hope that you will continue to see us as a support system for you and in the future continue to reach out to us — we would love to help and keep supporting your efforts.” The Soroptimists also received a check for $150 for their scholarship fund from Nancy Stewart, a retired educator and high school guidance counselor, who received a Soroptimist award to attend college many years ago. In making the presentation, Stewart said she felt that the scholarship program was important, and had been important in her life, and wanted to "pay it forward." ”That $500 really helped and I appreciated it,” said Stewart. She also brought along the newspaper clipping from the meeting where she was awarded her scholarship in the late 1950s. Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2 million in education grants to about 1,500 women all over the world. Soroptimist's Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction.