In a night of storytelling, inspiration and tears, the Soroptimist International of Lake Havasu City fulfilled its ongoing mission of supporting the education and career advancement of local women by distributing nearly $8,000 in cash scholarships.

Soroptimist President Kathy Molzen awarded the Live your Dream Scholarship to Rachel Casey. The Live Your Dream cash award is made annually to a deserving woman in Lake Havasu City who is the primary source of financial support for her family so that she can improve her skills, education and employment prospects.

Molzen said it was “Her story. Her persistence under adverse conditions,” that made the biggest impression on the committee to award the scholarship to Casey.

Eight Lake Havasu High School S-Club members received awards in three categories: community service, athletics and academic excellence.

Community service awards were presented to Destiny Yates (Team Leadership), Catlin Fea (Rising Star) and Alexsis Harper (Achieving your Dream).

Athletic Scholarships were given to Autumn Porter and Jenna Diller.

The Academic Scholarships were awarded to Alexa Alba, Lauren Garitee and Brianna Stuart.

Brianna Stuart, outgoing president of the S-Club and a four-year member, thanked Molzen and the club for the opportunities for growth and service provided to her.

The S-Club’s advisor, Cami Castanon, explained that there’s pressure for young ladies in our society to be pretty and popular, and to get the attention from all the boys, they fall victim to exploiting their bodies.

“Girls need to know that true beauty comes from within. It comes from what you do for others and how you make others feel,” she said. “Young ladies need to learn to celebrate their intelligence and uniqueness and to be comfortable with who they are. That’s why I’m here.”

Guest Speaker Jenny D’Uva shared her journey as a single mother tackling her family’s financial and health challenges while managing to pursue multiple degrees and launch a professional career that includes counseling, education and community service. D’Uva shared her belief that “the key to personal success is inner strength and a great support system.”

Her closing comment summed up her message and resonated in the hearts of the audience, “I will leave you with this thought tonight: What is your story? Just remember, the book is open, the pages are ready, and you are the writer.”

Governor-Elect Laurie Moses presented an update on behalf of Soroptimist International and

A “Live Your Dream Advanced Education Award” was given to Sharon Brubaker before the banquet.

Soroptimist is a global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Approximately 75,500 Soroptimists in 130 countries and territories support community–based and global projects benefiting women and girls. The organization is mainly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination.