Loomis Soroptimist Club Education Awards empower women

Consistent with the Soroptimist International mission to "transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities," the Soroptimist International Loomis Basin club presented grants and awards Feb. 20 to support education. The club distributed nearly $10,000 in scholarships, teacher grants and Senior L.I.F.E Center support. The Ruby Award for Women Helping Women recognized Carol Pepper-Kittredge, associate dean, Workforce Innovation, Sierra College for "improving the lives of women through her professional activities." Through the CCC Maker initiative, Pepper-Kittredge has created an inclusive statewide makerspace model to prepare all students for innovative, entrepreneurial and non-traditional careers. Pepper-Kittredge previously led the Sierra Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Consortium, according to Gregg Ramseth, Technology and Assessment, Placer Union High School District. "Carol and her team were instrumental in pivoting Placer Union's perspective and outreach, helping us design inclusive programs that build confidence in young women as makers, entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and innovators," Ramseth said. The club provided funds for Hacker Lab powered by Sierra College makerspace scholarships for women. The Live Your Dream Award celebrates women who have overcome poverty, divorce, domestic violence and other life challenges through education. Ashley Volkerts received a $3,000 scholarship to continue pursuing her counseling associate degree at Intercoast College. According to her references, "she has overcame a multitude of obstacles in her personal life and maintains a beyond amazing attitude, while caring for her son," and "she is learning how to take care of herself as a single parent. Education is the key to her future. She sees that and it is her driving force." The Loomis Soroptimist Community Service Award of $1,000 was given to Jianna Domingo, a Del Oro High School student who volunteers with Stand Up Placer, a private nonprofit that provides support to domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking victims. Domingo renovated a play room in the Stand Up Placer safe house. "I hope that this room allows for the mother-child relationship to be nurtured," Domingo said. She hopes to work in education internationally and empower others to fight against injustice and overcome oppression. Since 1978, the Senior L.I.F.E. Center of Loomis has provided social and educational activities for seniors. The Soroptomists were instrumental in establishing the program and continues to support it through this grant that was accepted by directors, Acsa and Fred Hitchen. In addition to classes, the program offers nutritious lunches for participants. To support education in the region, the club provides teacher grants to help instructors fund special projects. H. Clark Powers eighth-grade teachers Casey Mills and Stephanie Meyer received grants. Mills will spark students' interest in reading by adding books suggested by students to his library and encouraging them to complete the 40-book challenge. Meyer anticipates using the grant for a ramp that students will use with the lunar rover they create to explain Newton's law, graph speed and understand the forces acting on the rover. Placer Elementary kindergarten teacher Amanda Ross will buy a microphone for singing and talking with students as well as allow shy children to build their confidence when speaking to groups. Newcastle Elementary School Librarian Sylvia Edmond will use grant funds to replace worn-out books and select new books that will encourage students to read. Loomis Grammar School kindergarten teacher Janine Brizendine has implemented a writer's workshop and will buy additional texts to encourage the children to write in addition to whiteboards students can use to practice handwriting. Loomis Grammar School sixth-grade teacher Susan McQueen will enable students to practice the metric system with additional scale and calibration kits for science labs. Loomis Grammar School fifth-grade teacher Karen Acosta will buy Wobble chairs that allow active students to rock and move their feet while sitting and this continuous movement helps them focus, participate and complete assignments. Loomis Grammar School third-grade teacher Julie Levens-Hupp will use her grant for historical costumes that children can dress up in or for flexible seating. Penryn Elementary School teacher Leslie Morgan wants to buy Lego base plates for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEM) projects in the school's new makerspace. Franklin Elementary School third-grade teacher Julie Woodward will use her grant to address students' diverse learning needs by enhancing her classroom environment with standing desks. Franklin Elementary School first-grade teacher Bonnie Robinson has found that small collaborative groupings build a positive learning environment and will buy a rolling television stand and portable document camera to project visual aids. Loomis Basin Charter School first-grade teacher Christy D'Ambrosio will use the grant for new books and listening center equipment. Loomis Basin Soropotimists fundraise throughout the year to support the awards program. The next fundraiser is Tostado Bingo on March 30. Tickets are $30 and available at the Loomis Basin Chamber of Commerce, from members and by calling 916-652-7252. To learn more about Soroptimist International Loomis Basin, visit a club meeting at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of the month at the Loomis Train Depot at Taylor Road and Horseshoe Bar Road. Learn more at soroptimistloomis.com or Soroptimist Loomis Basin on Facebook.