Submitted by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor.

Through the incredible generosity of our community last year, Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor was able to almost double the funding for monetary educational awards. The results for the 2025 education awards amounted to $37,500 for 11 deserving women. Nine of these were from San Juan and two each from Lopez and Orcas Islands. Awards were presented at the Annual Notable Women’s Luncheon.

Six $3,000 Educational Opportunity Awards were granted to enable women to continue their education. The women need to be enrolled in, or accepted into, undergraduate study at an accredited college, university or an accredited vocational/trade skills training program and be able to demonstrate financial need. Four of those were: Andrea Marr-Mellinger, Erin Koning, Jenny Sulton and Melissa Valencia Sandoval. Two of our recipients requested anonymity.

Laura Gauymer was the recipient of the $3,500 Trades Award, which is designed to help women gain vocational trades skills to fill high-paying jobs that are in great demand in our community.

The $4,000 Fellowship Awards were given to Elena Porten, Hannah Buckmaster and Shelly Rankin. This award is presented to San Juan County women who are returning to school for postgraduate study in an accredited college or university, leading to an advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.).

One $4,000 Live Your Dream was awarded to a San Juan Island woman. The award is for a woman who must be enrolled in or accepted into an undergraduate degree or vocational skills training program, the primary wage earner in her household and be able to demonstrate financial need.

These awards enable women to continue their education and or training and make a significant difference in their lives. This year, Soroptimist’s fundraiser, Annual A-May Zing Gala, is May 18 at 5 p.m. at the Pavilion at Roche Harbor. Tickets and additional information are available at www.sifri.org.

Soroptimist invites the local community to help us provide these opportunities again next year to deserving and aspiring women. We also fund the Cancer Treatment Transportation Program (ferry tickets), Food Security and the Women’s Emergency Fund. Together we can make a significant impact on the lives of women, girls and cancer patients.