Whitefish Soroptimists International presented $36,000 in scholarship and grant money to Flathead area students on April 22 during a dinner.

Both award categories listed were increased from previous years to benefit more students with career goals in service to others.

The Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” awards provide cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Eligible women are the primary financial providers for themselves and their dependents and are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program.

The 2019 recipients and their respective goals are: Gina Sullivan, Whitefish, FVCC surgical technology; Charlene Karberg, Columbia Falls, FVCC physical therapy assistant; Sylvia Malaga, Whitefish, Childbirth International doula; Melanie Petticrew, Charlo, Salish Kootenai business; administration; Aysia Potter, Columbia Falls, FVCC, nursing; Brittany Ironmaker, St Ignatius, Salish Kootenai nursing or dental assistant; Stacy Jackson, Kalispell, FVCC nursing; and Courtney Stinger, Ronan, biology.

Memorial scholarships go to high school senior boys and girls with awards are based on academic achievements, financial need and career goals in service to others. This year the program was expanded considerably to include all five area high schools.

The 2019 recipients are: Keegan Wold, Whitefish; Annie Robertson, Whitefish; Kaylee Ashe, Columbia Falls; Taylor Jarret, Columbia Falls; Cassidy Norick, Columbia Falls; Cassandra Praxel, Glacier; Kayla Praxel, Glacier; Layton Praxel, Glacier; Hallie Nikunen, Glacier; Lindsey Hammel, Glacier; Ashley Hammel, Glacier; Jade Ware, Flathead; Chloe Erb, Flathead; Cole Dykhuizen, Flathead; Amy Smith, Flathead; Jessica Workman, Flathead; Lily Briney, Flathead; Hailey Boisvert, Bigfork; Anna Naylor, Bigfork; and Hannah Crutsinger, Bigfork.