Marysville Soroptimists hand out scholarships to local students

The Marysville Soroptimist Club gave $18,000 to students for their college education during their annual scholarships awards breakfast on June 4.

Kathie Roon, co-president of the club, said the scholarships to Marysville students is one of the biggest ways they help the community each year.

“We feel honored to help these young women on their way to their college educations,” she said.

The local service club focuses on women and girls and gave away 12 scholarships to girl students from Marysville this year, each for $1,500.

Dave Carpenter, career counselor at Marysville-Pilchuck High School, presented many of the scholarships and said he was looking forward to this class of students.

“I was talking with them when they were sophomores thinking that I cannot wait for this group to come through in 2019,” said Carpenter.

“Two years ago I was super excited about the young ladies in our district and the rewards of that are in this room today,” he said.

Students were awarded for a variety of reasons, including if they were active in the community.

Local student Emily Anderson is going to the University of Washington to potentially study environmental science and has a lot of involvement in Marysville activities.

“She does a whole ton of community service, which is obviously huge for Soroptimist. She’s always giving back,” said Carpenter.

Marysville-Pilchuck High School student Ivanna Garza was also awarded in part because of her service.

“Her resume is so long with community service, the amount she’s given back is unbelievable,” said Carpenter.

Garza said she hopes to continue service work in her future or possibly as a career.

“I wasn’t entirely sure what box I wanted to put myself in, but overall I want to study international business and want to help homeless women and children and help an organization that way,” she said.

Many of the students awarded scholarships said they hoped to start or be a part of an organization that helps their community.

“I’m going to UW to attend the Foster School of Business and one day I hope to open my own nonprofit,” said local student Brielle Sydow.

Marysville-Pilchuck High School student Natalia Zieroth finished in the top 20 in state in golf this year and is headed to the University of Idaho for a specialized golf program.

“I want to become PGA certified and work in the golf industry as a teaching pro. I want to start a program for women, youth and minorities to learn the game,” she said.

Marysville City Council member Kamille Norton attended the breakfast and encouraged the students to continue working toward their goals.

“I just want to congratulate you for the great work you’ve done to get here and just want to encourage you to keep going,” she said.