EVANSTON — A group of local women who make up the membership of the Evanston chapter of Soroptimists International recently met together at TC’s Family Restaurant to celebrate the accomplishments of their members throughout the year, to award scholarships to a new generation of deserving women and to celebrate the holiday season. 

Joining them on Dec. 21 were young women from the Youth Alternative Home Association (YAHA). They were presented with gifts by the club including a home-sewn pillow case. A YAHA client who has been at the home since early summer said of the program, “It helps a lot. I am working toward goals for my future.” 

Soroptimist club president Wendy Schuler described the Soroptimist group, saying, “This is the only club that I am a part of that does amazing things for girls and women. It’s a club that I am very proud of and I’m very proud of our members.” 

One of those amazing things Schuler mentioned that the club has done for Uinta County women over the years is provide scholarships for women who are seeking secondary education. 

Makayla Wynn was one of last year’s recipients of the Live Your Dream Scholarship.

“This scholarship helped me to be able to take care of my kids and get to where I am now,” Wynn said at the December event. “I couldn’t have done it with everything I’ve been through. I’m so grateful for the support.” 

Wynn was able to complete her education and accomplish her goal of becoming a registered nurse. She now works locally as an RN and is able to help support her family. 

Live Your Dream Scholarship chair Bailey Snyder said, “I think I have the best job in this whole club because I have been able to work with these ladies that we have given these awards to over the years and I am so proud of you all. I have seen you all excel and it just warms my heart.”

After all of the former recipients had been introduced, the Live Your Dream winners for 2017 shared part of their stories and gave heartfelt thanks to the Soroptimist Club for awarding them the scholarship that will help them meet their goals. 

The two winners were Randi Egley and Shannon Williams. Both are mothers to young families. 

Egley is pursuing a master’s degree. She said it has been an uphill battle.

“I think this is my third attempt,” she said. “I’m almost to my practicum. So, this will really help me out and I really appreciate it.” 

Williams, a first-generation college student, is working on a bachelor’s degree in marketing. While continuing her education, she has inspired her mother to complete her GED. The mother-daughter team also earned associate’s degrees together.

“I have three little kids that I raise on my own and we struggle a little bit,” Williams said, showing great emotion. “With this money I am going to be able to finish my bachelor’s. This will also help to put food in my house for my family — so thank you very much.”

The charitable acts helped bring the spirit of Christmas to the event. Through the fundraising efforts of the club at their Luna Fest and Purse Auction in June, lives of young and ambitious women were changed.