By Heather Spaulding

Journal reporter

Three local women were honored by Soroptimist International of Friday Harbor for their commitment to continuing education and reaching career goals March 2.

“There is only one all day childcare service on Orcas, and that is Kaleidoscope,” said Vala Ross, winner of the $2,000 Live Your Dream award. “It is a great accomplishment for me to be able to help working families take care of their children. What you have done to day is not just help me, but the community.”

Ross will be taking classes online, in order to manage her busy schedule, and hopes to complete her education in a few years.

Angela Gossom, of San Juan Island, was the winner of the $3,000 Fellowship Award. She was not able to attend, however she is pursuing a doctor of veterinary medicine degree. Her parents Burt and Cookie Gossom attended to honor her.

Lindsey Ann Banry, of San Juan Island won the $2,000 Educational Opportunity Award. She is currently a part-time EMT in Bellingham, and working toward becoming a medic.

All three women are native islanders, Gossom and Banry are Friday Harbor High alumni.