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Local women are encouraged to apply for the Women’s Opportunity Award, the Violet Richardson Award, the Ruby Award and the Fellowship Award through Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor

Fall is awards season for the Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor.

Local women are encouraged to apply for the Women’s Opportunity Award, the Violet Richardson Award, the Ruby Award and the Fellowship Award. Below is some background on each award and application deadlines. Please pass on this information to qualified candidates you know!

The Women’s Opportunity Award helps a woman to overcome personal difficulties and improve her life through education and skills training. A woman who is the primary wage earner in her household and is pursuing an undergraduate or vocational degree may apply for this cash award. For more information, contact Sharon Pigman, sharon.pigman@gmail.com, 378-2949. Applications are due by Dec. 15.

The Violet Richardson Award honors a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 years who is helping to make the community and world a better place through volunteer activities. For more information, contact Val Keaton, val@valariekeaton.com, 425-869-1534. Applications are due Dec. 1, by 5 p.m.

The Ruby Award honors a woman (who is not a SIFRI member) who has worked to improve the lives of women and girls through her professional and/or volunteer work assisting women and girls. 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. For more information, contact Dana Bune, sdqsbune@rockisland.com or 378-0857. Applications are due by Jan. 15.

The Fellowship Award will be presented to a woman who is returning to school for postgraduate study in an accredited college or university leading to an advanced degree (Masters or Ph.D.). The local winner will receive a scholarship award. Her application will then be submitted to the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas for further consideration of an additional scholarship. For more information, Joyce Sobel, jsobel@rockisland.com, 378-4921, or Lenore Bayuk, bayukll@rockisland.com, 378-3636. Applications are due by Jan. 10.

To learn more about Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor or to download applications visit www.sifri.org.