By Laurie Brazil

Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra hosted an early morning breakfast to award 16 scholarships and most improved distinctions to local students.

Students were represented by St. Theresa, South Tahoe Middle, South Tahoe High and Whittell High schools.

Some of the students honored by SITS.

The early risers attending last week included awarded students, family, faculty, administrators, counselors, local dignitaries and Soroptimist members. Each recipient had to be nominated, while the college-bound scholarships were based on applications submitted with academic achievements and honors, athletics, extra-curricular activities, community service, grade point average, letters of recommendation and national tests scores.

Meritorious awards went to most-improved: Steve Huerta, Wendy Cervantes, Ileana Peredo and Michael Pesci from STMS; Catherine Montgomery from St. Theresa, Kevin Shirley and Amy Fullbright from STHS and Corinne Novotny, Josh Peterson, Julian Washalesky and Phil Gielow from WHS.

Monetary scholarships were lauded to Victoria Lenstrom, Ashley Killeen, Sarah Breisacher and Melissa Ewing from STHS and Lauren Andrew from WHS. This last group of awardees were incredibly accomplished, gifted and well-rounded and will be attending colleges from UNR, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego and Saint Mary’s.

The annual Elegant Evening fundraiser is the event that garners the majority of the funding for these valuable and necessary programs for our youth.

For more information on any of the Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra programs check www.sitahoesierra.org or become a fan on Facebook www.facebook.com to be informed of all events and club happenings.

Laurie Brazil is a member of Soroptimist International Tahoe Sierra.