Soroptimists award $36,000 in scholarships, grants

Soroptimist International of Whitefish presented $36,000 in scholarships and grants to Flathead Valley area students at a recognition dinner April 22.

Both award categories listed were increased from previous years to benefit more students with career goals in service to others.

The Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” awards provide cash grants to women working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Eligible women are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents, and are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program.

This year’s “Live Your Dream” award recipients and their area of study include:

Gina Sullivan — Whitefish, Flathead Valley Community College, surgical technology

Charlene Karberg — Columbia Falls, FVCC, physical therapy assistant

Sylvia Malaga — Whitefish, Childbirth International, doula

Melanie Petticrew-Charlo — Salish Kootenai College, business administration

Aysia Potter — Columbia Falls, FVCC, nursing

Brittany Ironmaker — St. Ignatius, Salish Kootenai College, nursing or dental assistant

Stacy Jackson — Kalispell, FVCC, nursing

Courtney Stinger — Ronan, biology

Memorial scholarships were awarded to high school senior boys and girls based on academic achievements, financial need and career goals in service to others. This year the program has been expanded to include all five area high schools.

Recipients include:

Keegan Wold and Annie Robertson, Whitefish High School

Kaylee Ashe, Taylor Jarret and Cassidy Norick, Columbia Falls High School

Cassandra Praxel, Kayla Praxel, Layton Praxel, Hallie Nikunen, Lindsey Hammel and Ashley Hammel, Glacier High School

Jade Ware, Chloe Erb, Cole Dykhuizen, Amy Smith, Jessica Workman and Lily Briney, Flathead High School

Hailey Boisvert, Anna Naylor and Hannah Crutsinger, Bigfork High School