Carson Valley Soroptimists seek awards applicants

Soroptimist International of Carson Valley is seeking applicants for three women's awards programs.

The Violet Richardson Award, named for the president of the first Soroptimist Club, targets women, ages 14-17, who make the community and the world a better place through volunteer action, such as fighting drugs, crime and violence, cleaning up the environment and working to end discrimination and poverty.

The winner of the Violet Richardson Scholarship at the local level receives $500 and becomes eligible for a regional level award of $1,000 with another $1,000 given in her honor to her volunteer organization.

The winner at the regional level then becomes eligible for the national level award.

This honor culminates in one young woman receiving international recognition, a certificate, a personal gift from Soroptimist and $2,500 given in her honor to the organization where she is most active as a volunteer.

Applications are available at Douglas High School, Sierra Lutheran High School, Sheriff's Explorer Program and Douglas County Public Library and from Shannon Albert, 782-1512.

The winner of the Women's Opportunity Award receives a $1,000 cash grant and will become eligible to receive a regional-level award of $5,000.

The winner of the regional-level award then becomes eligible to receive one of three $10,000 finalist awards.

The winner of the Landis Award, named in honor of Lifetime Soroptimist member Sally Landis of Carson City, will be granted up to $5,000.

Landis requested that the club provide scholarship assistance to mothers returning to school or college to better themselves and improve their personal circumstances through education.

To be eligible for the Landis Award, women must serve as the primary financial support for their families and need financial assistance to continue in school or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program.

Landis Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with higher education, including books, childcare and transportation.

Applications are available by calling Soroptimist members Liz Bricker at 265-3539 or Renee Mack at 782-5755.

Soroptimist International of Carson Valley is a volunteer organization for business and professional women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.

Founded in 1973, the Carson Valley club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas and Soroptimist International where almost 100,000 members in more than 120 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based projects that benefit women. For information, call President Cindy White 267-3585.