Yahaira Valencia (center), selected for the Soroptimist International of Santa Paula Scholarship Award, was congratulated by SISP President Heidi Juarez (left) and SISP Scholarship Committee member Cindy Jordan (right).

Best for Women: Cathy Tran,
Yahaira Valencia receive top SISP awards

July 09, 2014
Santa Paula News

Soroptimist International of Santa Paula presented awards to two local women at their annual Installation dinner, where Cathy Tran and Yahaira Valencia were lauded for living up to the meaning of Soroptimist’s motto of “Best for Women.”

The June 26 dinner was held at the popular East Main Street restaurant The Mupu Grill.

Tran has since relocated and was unable to receive the Women’s Opportunity Award in person but Yahaira was present with her proud parents Norma and Carlos Valencia.

Yahaira, a recent Santa Paula High School graduate, said she will attend the University of California at Fullerton for her studies that will lead to a career as a Nurse Practitioner.

Yahaira admitted, “I’m excited” at receiving the $1,000 SISP Scholarship Award, as well as her upcoming attendance at the university.

Soroptimist Cindy Jordan said the Scholarship Committee “picked well,” when they selected Yahaiar, recognizing her impressive scholastic achievement and community service that led to Yahaira being selected Salutatorian of the Cardinal Class of 2014.  

Yahaira’s mother is also in the health field and someone Jordan, executive director of Vista Cove Care Center, said she has known for years: “But I had no influence,” on Yahaira’s selection Jordan noted with a laugh.

To become a Nurse Practitioner Yahaira said she would have to complete her four-year studies to become a Registered Nurse and then spend another four years for advanced training. 

“When I do become a Nurse Practitioner,” Yahaira noted, “I want to come back to Santa Paula to practice... “

Tran was the recipient of the Women’s Opportunity Award that provides cash grants for head-of-household women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. 

The mission of Soroptimist is to improve the lives of all people - with a special emphasis on women and girls - in local communities and throughout the world.

The local chapter of Soroptimist International of Santa Paula was chartered 83 years ago.





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