Soroptimists seek teen award applicants

Soroptimist International of Carson City is seeking applicants to recognize young women between the ages of 14 and 17 engaged in volunteer activity that makes the community or world better place.

The Violet Richardson Award is in honor of the president of the first Soroptimist club president, whose spirit and sense of personal responsibility were demonstrated by her lifelong commitment to "It's what you do that counts."

The volunteer projects may include projects that address social problems such as homelessness, violence, drug abuse, unemployment, illiteracy, discrimination, AIDS, and pollution. Projects may assist any group including the elderly, the disabled, and mentally or emotionally challenged groups.  Projects that benefit women or girls are especially valued. Topics may include sexual harassment, sexual decision-making, teen parenting, careers, finances and any other projects that specifically benefit women, young women or girls.

The ideal candidate is caring, compassionate, creative and most of all committed to making the world a better place, has demonstrated initiative in both identifying a problem and in trying to solve it and has had significant and noteworthy accomplishments as a volunteer. The local winner will receive $50 and a $500 award to the organization where she is most active as a volunteer. She will advance to a regional competition for a $1,000 cash prize in addition to a $1,000 award to her organization. The regional winner will be eligible for a federation level medallion and a personal gift as well as a $3,500 given in her honor to her chosen organization.

Applicants and organizations wishing to nominate young women who meet this criteria should call Didi Chaney at 782-8220 or visit www.sicarsoncity.org for an application due by Dec. 1.