Soroptimists of Tahoe Sierra honors three on International Women's Day

The Soroptimist International of Tahoe Sierra (SITS) club of South Lake Tahoe honored three women as winners of their Violet Richardson, Live Your Dream and Ruby Awards during a special breakfast meeting on Thursday, March 8.

The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women in middle and high school who are making a difference with their volunteer service and leadership in the community. This year the club selected South Tahoe High sophomore Catherine Yohnka for her work with girls in the community. She helps with the Tahoe Youth and Family Services Girl's Project. As a volunteer, Catherine helps the girl learn how to be respectful to themselves and how to be kind to others.

Nicole Kruczynski was the club's choice for the Live Your Dream Award, Soroptimists's main award internationally that recognizes women who are working towards achieving a better life for themselves and their families through higher education. Nicole is a single mother who earned her AA in Business Administration along with an accounting certificate and is now attending California State University Fullerton online. She is working toward earning her BA in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing. Nicole is a mother to a 10-year-old daughter.

The Ruby Award goes to Jeanne Nelson this year. She is the president of NAMI El Dorado County, South Lake Tahoe chapter. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Jeanne has brought several programs to the community including NAMI on Campus at STHS and STMS, Brain Health Leadership Club and numerous supports groups. The Ruby Award recognizes women helping women and those working to improve the lives of others, something Jeanne does every day.