It’s been six years since Soroptimist International of Ramona has been able to hold an awards ceremony for the recipients of the organization’s scholarships and grants.
The group made up for the long absence by hosting the Rockin’ Awards Celebration on June 2, and giving out a record number of scholarships.
“It was really awesome to physically see the people and their expressions and gratitude for receiving the funds,” said Vickie Watkins, co-president of Soroptimist International of Ramona, along with Donna Bertolero.
Nineteen students each received $1,000 scholarships at the event, which was held at Always Sunny Ramona Senior Daycare Club.
From Ramona High School, students included Hannah Ferguson, Jacob Gardnier, Davin LeClair, Jamil Kassab, Karlie Heimer, Laura Sutton, Scott Case, Kaleb Carlisle, Kyle Patenaude, Mac Moretti, David Palomino, Ronin Hollander, Caleb Ancho, Carson Forsyth and Melanie Cruz; from Montecito High, Stephanie Pianowski and Keira Cardinal, and from Mountain Valley Academy, Brooke Gonzalez and Josiah Martinez.
In order to earn a scholarship, students were required to complete an application coinciding with their school’s requirements for scholarships, and be selected by the Soroptimist’s scholarship committee.
The “Live Your Dream” awardee and “Dream It, Be It” attendees were also recognized at the event, Bertolero said.
The $3,000 “Live Your Dream” grant was given to Melissa Upchurch, 38. Upchurch has a 15-year-old daughter and twin 4-year-old boys.
The grant program is aimed at women aged 18 and older who have at least one legal dependent, adult or child, Watkins said.
“They’ve gone through some struggles and at some point they’ve gone back to either continue or finish their education with a GED, community or four-year college or vocational trade school to better the lives of themselves and their dependents,” Watkins said.
Although they were not present, attendees of the“Dream It, Be It,” another program of the organization, were also recognized.
“For ‘Dream It, Be It,’ we hold a free workshop for females age 14 to 17, giving them tools such as how to handle conflicts and identify their strengths, so they can learn how to overcome obstacles in the way of completing their dreams,” said Watkins.
The organization launched their first workshop this March; four Ramona students attended, Watkins said.
Watkins said their programs would not be possible without their community partners, primarily local businesses.
“We couldn’t fulfill these dreams without their participation and support. We can’t thank them enough,” Watkins said.
Each of the 28 Community Partnership award winners received a certificate and a sunflower.
Soroptimist will be hosting a final fundraiser for the year.
“Comedian Vicki Barbolak, a finalist in ‘America’s Got Talent,’ has a special place in her heart for our specific club, and will headline the Barbolak and Barbecue Fundraiser,” Watkins said.
The event will be held Saturday, June 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Hatfield Creek Winery, 1625 Highway 78.
Billed as a night of comedy, music and food, local band Dirty Confetti will perform at the event, while local caterer Something Delicious will prepare the barbecue dinner.
Raffles and auctions round out the event, which raises funds for the Live Your Dream, Dream It, Be It and Dream Big programs.
Tickets are available to the public age 21 and above. For more information, visit: www.siramona.com/tickets.
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