Soroptimist awards inspirational women….

From left: Patricia Tullock, Bethy Johnstonbaugh, and Mollie Kohring (not present: Natalia Lawrence).

Lori Stokes says yesterday’s well-attended lunch meeting was inspirational, and here’s why:

Soroptimist of Friday Harbor honored the recipients of the service club’s annual awards at its Notable Women’s Luncheon held on March 28.

Mollie Kohring of Lopez Island received the Violet Richardson Award, given each year to a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 who has made a difference in our community through volunteer service. Growing up, Mollie always loved being outdoors — hiking, biking, climbing trees, or just sitting in her backyard. When she read about all the things that are happening to the environment, she felt frustrated and wanted to help. So in 2007, when the Lopez Island Conservation Corps was formed, she signed up and has been a very active participant every summer since then. She hopes to continue working on environmental issues for the rest of her life.

This year, two women received the Women’s Opportunity Award, Natalia Lawrence and Patricia Tullock. Natalia, who is supporting both herself and her 3 year old daughter, will be using the Soroptimist grant to help pay for her studies at Western Washington University’s degree program in recreational therapy. With a long-time interest in mind and body health, Natalia has been working as a licensed massage therapist while in school, and has also volunteered in a rehab center, where she worked with girls in recovery. Patricia has lived on Orcas Island for years, and is commuting four days a week to San Juan Island so that she can attend Skagit Community College here. She is working toward attaining her associate’s degree, with a goal of ultimately becoming a dental hygienist. She is the sole support for herself and her two children, ages 8 and 13.

The Fellowship Award for graduate study was presented to Elizabeth (“Bethy”) Johnstonbaugh, who is currently working on her master’s degree in geographic information systems from the University of Washington. Bethy plans to combine her scientific background (she majored in chemistry at Reed College) with her newly acquired graduate-level training in digital mapping technology to have a career that contributes toward solving serious environment issues such as pollution.

With 107 members, the Friday Harbor Soroptimists are the largest club in Soroptimist International of the Americas (which includes 1400 clubs in 19 countries and territories). The local Soroptimists sponsor or support a wide variety of projects/events that benefit primarily the island’s women and girls. The club’s annual awards are a tribute to some of the women who are making a difference for themselves and for our community.

For more information about the local club and its many activities, check out its website: www.sifri.org. Donations are always gratefully accepted, and will go directly towards the programs and causes that Soroptimist supports.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.