March 16, 2020 - Anita Starchman Bryant, Publicity Chair - The winners of Soroptimist International of Mariposa’s 2020 Live Your Dream Award are Jillian Robarge (1st place), Jessica Guenthart (2nd place), and Lisbeth Dean (3rd place). The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards help women cover costs of education and training programs they need to improve their employment prospects. First place winner Robarge is currently working as a vocational nurse at John C. Fremont and is ultimately aiming for a BS in nursing. Second place winner Guenthart has worked as a veterinary technician for 15 years and is now trying to obtain her associates and Bachelor’s degree in nursing. Third place winner Dean has obtained her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, and is prepping for the ACSM exam to become a “Certified Personal Trainer” with the ultimate goal of earning her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Exercise Science.
(Pictured l-r), Award Committee Member Patricia Perry, Award Committee Chair Sandy Semtner, 3rd place Winner Lisbeth Dean, 2nd place winner Jessica Guenthart, 1st place winner Jillian Robarge, and Award Committee Members Dee Carr and Lee Hannah
Through Soroptimist International each year, more than $1.6 million in education grants are awarded to more than 1,200 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their education or training including books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
In addition to providing the primary financial support for their families, eligible applicants must be enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program and must demonstrate financial need.
The Live Your Dream Awards involves three levels of cash awards. The program begins at the local Soroptimist club-level, where award amounts vary. Local-level award recipients become eligible for region-level awards of either $3,000 or $5,000. Region-level award recipients then become eligible to receive one of three international-level awards of $10,000.
For more information about Soroptimist International of Mariposa please contact Soroptimist Oralee Phillips at (209) 966-2740, visit us online at simariposa.org or find the Club on Facebook.
Source: Soroptimist International of Mariposa
