Scholarships and awards

SIPA President Donna Petersen, 2009 College scholarship recipient Jessica Goss, and SIPA member Sandy Ruddell

Scholarships

For over 40 years, the Port Angeles Noon Club has given scholarships to local high school seniors. The scholarships are used to assist high school seniors in funding the continuation of their education at the college or vocational institution of their choice.

Awards

Star Awards

Violet Richardson Award
Honors young women between the ages of 14 and 17 that have demonstrated initiative in both identifying a problem and trying to solve it and have had significant and noteworthy accomplishments as volunteers. Learn more about the Violet Richardson Award.

Ruby Award
Formerly the Making a Difference for Women Award, the Ruby Award honors the first federation president, Ruby Lee Minar. The Ruby Award is for women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. The program begins at the local-level where clubs recognize a woman in their community. Learn more about the Ruby Award.

Women’s Opportunity Award
For women with primary financial responsibility for supporting their families (including children, spouse, sibling and/or parents), who are attending or have been accepted to a vocational/skills training program or an undergraduate degree program; have financial need; are motivated to achieve their educational and career goals; and reside in one of the Soroptimist International of the Americas’ member countries. Learn more about the Women's Opportunity Award.

Woman of Distinction
Honors Soroptimist International of Port Angeles Noon Club members who have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business or voluntary activities during the last ten years; have demonstrated exemplary character, integrity and leadership; have been visible and vocal in their field; and whose activities relate to at least one of the following areas: Economic and Social Development, Education, Environment, Health, Human Rights/Status of Women and/or International Goodwill and Understanding.

J.P. Pettersen Teddy Bear Award
This award was established in memory of a highly regarded Soroptimist member, J.P. Pettersen. J.P. died in 2002 after raising four children. She had her own struggles as a single parent, cared deeply for her family, and believed in the power of women. This award has continued through the financial support of J.P.’s family. The award is for a female head of household, with the primary financial responsibility for supporting her family (including children, a spouse and/or parents, who is attending, or has been accepted to, a vocational/skills training program, or an undergraduate degree program; has financial need; is motivated to achieve her educational and career goals; lives in the Port Angeles area; and maintains a GPA of at least 2.5.

Community Service Award
In conjunction with Peninsula Daily News, honors local citizens for outstanding community service.

Fellowship Award
Honors women who reside in the Northwestern Region of SIA who are established in business or one of the professions and who conduct business or practice their profession competently and according to the ethical standards thereof; hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university; and who present a plan of worthwhile post graduate study at an accredited college or university leading to an advanced degree or to enhanced standing or competence in business or profession. Soroptimist members and their immediate families are not eligible for any Soroptimist monetary awards available to the public.