Soroptimist International of Antioch recently held an awards banquet at the Lone Tree Golf and Event Center to honor recipients of the organization's Violet Richardson Award, two high school scholarships, and the Women's Opportunity Award. In addition, the club observed its 55th birthday.

The Violet Richardson Award, named after the first president of Soroptimist, honors a girl between the ages of 14 and 17 for volunteer activities in the community. Katie Zirkel, Antioch resident and senior at Carondelet High School, was recognized for her service to the Monument Crisis Center in Concord. She was presented with a $250 check for the center and a small check for herself.

The high school scholarship is given to a senior girl who resides in Antioch and will pursue her education on a full-time basis. This year's winner was Chelsea Martell, a Deer Valley High School graduating senior. Chelsea is an accomplished student holding a 4.09 grade point average. She is senior class president and has been active on varsity water polo and swimming teams. She plans to attend UCLA in the fall. Soroptimist honored her with a $1,000 award.

This year, for the first time, Soroptimist was able to award a second-place scholarship. The award, in the amount of $750, went to Deer Valley student Matia Johnson. She has a 3.95 GPA and has performed many hours of community service. Matia is passionate about dance and is planning to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Women's Opportunity Award. This is the identifying project of Soroptimist International of the Americas and recognizes a woman who is head of household and is pursuing her education to enter or re-enter the workforce so that she can better support her family. This year's winner was Los Medanos College student Tamiesha Smith, whose goal is to become a registered nurse. Tamiesha has four daughters. She was awarded a $2,000 check.

Soroptimist International of Antioch has given 55 years of service to the community. Some of its accomplishments have been supporting the Delta Learning Center, the library, the Bedford Center and Rivertown Jamboree. In concert with other clubs in District II, the Antioch club has hosted Get Real Day, a life skills workshop for senior girls.

Meetings are held Wednesdays at noon at Schooner's Grille and Brewery. Membership is open to business and professional women who are interested in working toward the mission of Soroptimist worldwide, Improving the Lives of Women and Girls.

For more information on membership, please call Terrie Price at 925-706-8560 or Judi Parent-Smith at 925-754-6450.

Contributed by Judi Parent-Smith