Soroptimist International of Mount Vernon and Knox County presented its 2022 Live Your Dream Awards to three outstanding women.
Jessica Wolfe, Lisa Darling, and Meghan Baldridge received the awards.
The Live Your Dream Award provides women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with a financial award to offset costs associated with attaining higher education.
Wolfe, the first-place winner, is studying early childhood education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. She also works as an aide in the Mount Vernon City School district. Darling, the second-place winner, is studying nursing at West Shore Community College in Michigan while also working as a paramedic. Baldridge, the third-place winner, is studying business at Grand Valley State University and works full-time. All three women work and go to college while raising their children.
"The Live Your Dream Award was created for non-traditional students," Becky Chamberlin, chair of the Soroptimist of Mount Vernon Live Your Dream Award committee, said. "The awards are for women who have overcome some struggles in their lives and are now raising their families while also going to school to make their lives better. Jessica, Lisa, and Meghan were all impressive applicants, and we are happy to give them these awards."
The women appreciated receiving the award.
"I am both honored and thankful to be receiving this award," Wolfe said. "These funds will be extremely helpful to myself and my children as I further my education."
"I'm truly humbled and appreciate the funds awarded to help me continue my educational journey," Baldridge said.
Soroptimist of Mount Vernon and Knox County is part of Soroptimist International. The global volunteer organization provides women and girls access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The local Mount Vernon club supports local women and girls through financial awards and educational programs.
