PORT ANGELES — Soroptimist International of Port Angeles has recognized four women with the club’s Women Opportunity, Ruby, J.P. Pettersen Teddybear and Fellowship awards.
Awards were given at a recent luncheon.
Tulsi Marshall was selected to receive the $1,000 J.P. Pettersen Teddybear Award.
The single mother of three daughters is pursuing an associate degree at Peninsula College.
She plans to transfer to the University of Washington to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and resource management, and will seek a master’s in engineering.
The award was established in memory of J.P. Pettersen, a Soroptimist, by her family.
“Pettersen had her own struggles as a single parent, cared deeply for her family and believed in the power of women,” the club said in a statement.
Denise Bennett, J.P.’s daughter; Gail Tate, J.P.’s sister; and Marshall’s mother, Suzanne Rodgers, attended the luncheon.
Samantha Thompson earned the club’s $1,000 Women’s Opportunity Award.
This award recognizes women who are seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training and education.
Thompson, a single mother of two sons, is a Peninsula College student pursing a degree in criminal justice.
Award judges were Brian Betts, Tammy Napiontek and Lucille Schmitt.
Thompson’s luncheon guest was Chance LaBelle.
Cherilee Ramsey received the club’s Ruby Award for her volunteer work with the Salvation Army.
The Ruby Award honors women who, through their professional or personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the lives of women or girls.
“Ramsey’s greatest joy is making sure children are not forgotten and not just at Christmas,” the club said in its statement.
“She provides and support to children and their families year-round.”
Ramsey’s husband, Scott, attended the awards luncheon as her guest.
Laura Brogden is the club’s nominee for the Northwestern Region of Soroptimist’s $4,000 Fellowship Award.
Brogden has been employed extensively in social services and education, holding positions as Peninsula College’s residence hall director, executive director of the Peninsula Dispute Resolution Center and currently working as Peninsula College’s WorkFirst coordinator.
Brogden is pursuing a doctorate in community college leadership from Old Dominion University.