Soroptimists present 17 young women with education awards

SIIR is a chapter of the women's organization, Soroptimist International of the Americas, whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.”

Soroptimist International of Indian Rock, Inc. (SIIR) celebrated the presentation of its 53rd annual education awards on June 5 at the Spring Mill Country Club in Ivyland. During the ceremony, the club presented 17 educational awards for 2025 in addition to their Community Partner of the Year Award. 

Reflecting on the dedication of the women of SIIR to aiding women’s education, President Kathy Waddington said, “We have increased our impact once again by adding numerous, select Continuing Education Scholarships and a new Salute to Mothers Scholarship made possible through a partnership with Bucks County Community College. In total, we will exceed $26,500 in scholarships in 2025. It is only through the generosity of our members and growing community of supporters, sponsors, and donors that we’ve attained this record achievement.”

SIIR presented three financial grants from their mission-centric Soroptimist Dream Programs that were underwritten by SIIR. One of these was given to a college-bound, high school graduate who attended the prerequisite 2025 Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls Conference (DIBI). The others were presented to two single mothers who are enrolled in nursing programs: Deanna Bembury received the Ginny Cooper Live Your Dream Award and Wendy Rivera was presented with the Live Your Dream: Education and Training Award. 

An additional thirteen students were presented with club scholarship awards. Two high school graduates received SIIR Scholarship Awards for their first year of college. Continuing Education Scholarship Awards were given to eleven other college students, some of whom have been supported through all four years of their college undergraduate studies. These awards were underwritten by SIIR and the Frances E. Snow Memorial Fund. “SIIR offers scholarships to two- and four-year colleges as well as to schools offering certificate/licensing programs. We know one size does not fit all,” said Nancy Montvydas, Scholarship Committee Co-chair.

SIIR’s Community Partner of the Year Award was accepted by June Portnoy, Managing Editor, on behalf of O’Rourke Media Group for their continuous support and generosity in making a difference in the lives of women and girls. 

Soroptimist International of Indian Rock, Inc. is a chapter of the women’s organization, Soroptimist International of the Americas, whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. For more information about Soroptimist awards, programs and membership, visit www.investindreams.org