“My hope is to help kids with disabilities improve their everyday lives”

LOOMIS, CA (MPG) – The Loomis Soroptimist club selected 2021 award winners for Soroptimist International (SI) Live Your Dream Award and Ruby Award as well as Del Oro Scholarship and teacher grants. Soroptimist International (SI) empowers women and girls worldwide through education to achieve their potential, realize their aspirations and lead their communities.

Annamarie Coronel, a single mother of a four year old and Auburn resident, won the $1000 SI Loomis Basin Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award that celebrates women committed to developing skills through education to prepare for careers that will support their families. She is enrolled in the Testlio Ignite software testing training program. “This program is giving me an opportunity to be able to provide a good life for myself and my daughter,” said Coronel.

According to Breanna Bowman, Acres of Hope, Coronel has also completed a leadership internship and several online business and accounting courses to prepare for employment. “Due to her hard work, determination and impeccable character, she was offered an opportunity to train alongside a mentor in the groundbreaking Testlio Ignite program,” said Bowman. “She is extremely hardworking, responsible, compassionate, kind and determined.”

Marena Feickert, Del Oro High School senior, won the Loomis Soroptimist Community Service Award of $1000. She demonstrated her leadership in community service through the Jump In campaign to raise funds for the Del Oro Pool, training a dog with Canine Companions for Independence, volunteering at UC Davis Hospital and participating in other local volunteer efforts. Her senior class project was to create a closet of interview appropriate clothes for Taylor House residents. Feickert’s goal is to become a physical therapist. “My hope is to help kids with disabilities improve their everyday lives,” said Feickert.

Allison Gorman, Project Coordinator, Koinonia Group Home for Teens, was the recipient of the Soroptimist Ruby Award for Women Helping Women. Mechelle Bertolucci-Sanchez, SI Loomis club member, has been working with Gorman for eight years to deliver the Soroptimist Live Your Dream career exploration program and other workshops. “Allison cares deeply for each teen and holds strong boundaries for the benefit of their safety and transformation,” said Bertolucci-Sanchez. “She models authenticity by joining them in the classes. With her insight, club members have been able to make things happen to improve students’ self-worth and their ability to dream of something bigger than their circumstances.”

The club also provided grants to teachers in the Loomis Union School District to enrich education programs.

Bryn Bacharach and Janine Brizendine, Kindergarten teachers at Loomis Grammar School, will use their grant for headphones that can be used to help students with phonics and reading as well as math games while limiting distractions and allowing them to work independently.

Christine Clark, Loomis Basin Charter School, intends to purchase a loom for the library/makerspace used by K-8 students to develop their creativity and curiosity for making things with their hands.

Kim Dietz, 7/8 grade teacher, Loomis Basin Charter School, will purchase new microscopes to encourage student inquiry and exploration of the sciences.

Robyn Nugen, fourth grade teacher, Placer Elementary School, requested funding for a standing desk and tall chair so she can more effectively and safely teach students in the classroom and through distance learning.

Ana Reed, teacher, Penryn Elementary School, says that she will purchase readers for the Spanish program that can be used by all ages but are especially needed for middle school students.

Laurel Sanders teaches English Language Arts for 6-8 grades at the Ophir STEAM Academy and wants to purchase books for middle school students. “I want to provide a classroom full of age appropriate, current and classic novels, and series to awaken the inner reader in every child,” said Sanders.

The Loomis Basin SI club is a 501(c)(3) organization, fundraises throughout the year to support the awards program and welcomes donations. Learn more at https://www.soroptimistloomis.com/ and find Soroptimist Loomis Basin on Facebook and Instagram.