STATE COLLEGE — At the March meeting, Soroptimist International of Centre County presented $5,000 in Live Your Dream Awards to four women.
Jade Merrills, of State College, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the Pennsylvania State University and will then continue her education to earn a PhD in clinical psychology. Inspired by the woman who helped her heal, her goal is to guide others on their healing journey as they work through traumatizing experiences in therapy. Merrills received a $2,000 Live Your Dream Award.
Jessie Rogers, of Bellefonte, is currently attending the Penn State World Campus and has been accepted to Lock Haven University to pursue an associate degree in nursing. Jessie works 40 hours a week as a licensed practical nurse and her goal is to become a registered nurse. Rogers received a $1,000 Live Your Dream Award.
Amber Rematt, of Northern Cambria, is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Lock Haven University. She currently works 20 hours a week as a licensed practical nurse and her goal is to become a registered nurse. Rematt received a $1,000 Live Your Dream Award.
Riana Scott, of Hollidaysburg, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She has 15 years in the Naval Reserves and works 40 hours a week at the local VA. Scott’s long-term educational goal is to obtain her master’s in social work. She is 100 percent Navajo and her ultimate career goal is to work with the people on the Navajo reservation. Scott received a $1,000 Live Your Dream Award.
Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The Live Your Dream Awards assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
The Live Your Dream application period is open from Aug. 1 to Nov. 15 every year.
