EDUCATION
SIC Read Aloud Partners Program
The Soroptimist International of Calistoga’s Read Aloud Partners Program (RAPP) has been in existence at Calistoga Elementary School since 1994 - some years more active than others. It began as Rolling Readers linked with a San Diego non-profit but when the Soroptimist Club offered to support the idea in 2010, it just blossomed. It became known as the SIC Read Aloud Partners Program and currently has community readers in all 22 classrooms plus Hearts and Hands Preschool. 415 students receive a brand new book gifts three times a year from their RAPPer and they are encouraged to find pleasure in reading from the weekly read-aloud sessions enjoyed by the whole class.
Click here for more information about RAPP!
CJSHS’S S-CLUB
What is S-Club?
S-Club is a high school service club sponsored by Soroptimist International of Calistoga. The Club is run by an SI Calistoga member, supported by a school liaison. Students are guided in their service and fundraising projects during the school year. Soroptimist clubs focus on helping women and girls improve their lives through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. S-Club girls volunteer for numerous projects and programs in our community. We also connect our members to local leaders who serve as mentors and guides.
Click here for more information about S-Club!
Palisades Pals
PHS is an alternative high school for students who are working hard to get credit recovery and catch up through their self-paced program.
Through Soroptimist/Rotary Palisades Pals, we hope to motivate and bring our youth back into the margins and to get back on track to pursue their career goals and live their dream.
It is with our support and financial assistance students can overcome the obstacles that got in their way in the first place and why they are where they are today. We want to show just because a student does not graduate with the high school class with honors, they can still be rewarded with merit.
Click here for more information about PALS!
Higher Education Scholarships
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Celebrating Our 2025 Scholarship Awardees
We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on four remarkable young women, each a beacon of academic excellence, dedicated service, and courageous self-advocacy. These scholarship recipients embody the very best of their generation, and we are incredibly proud to support their inspiring journeys forward.
Alexa Navarrette-Avila, a participant in the MIT Inventing Smart Solution program, will pursue a degree in Engineering at UC Davis.
Arlette Hernandez Quevedo will earn a degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis, fueled by her passion for the Napa Valley.
Kennia Clavel, demonstrating tenacious leadership and determination, will embark on a Pre-Medical track at UC San Diego.
Vanessa Herrera-Ortega, driven by her vision for a better world, will enroll in the Journalism program at Santa Rosa JC.
PALS Awardees
Celebrating its third year, our award-winning "Pals" program, recognized by Soroptimist International, is proud to introduce this year's scholarship recipients. Thanks to the generous support of the Soroptimist Club, Rotary Club, and Napa Valley Youth Advocacy, we're helping students explore diverse career paths and unlock their potential.
Dante Marquez, a recipient of the Napa Valley Youth Advocacy Scholarship, will pursue a degree in Natural Resource Management at Santa Rosa JC, driven by his passion for nature conservation.
Maria Duarte, whose passion lies in assisting diverse cultures, will pursue a degree in Linguistics at Santa Rosa JC.
Vanessa Herrera-Ortega, receiving the second award of the night, will pursue a degree in Journalism at Santa Rosa JC.
(Shown in a picture to the bottom left)
2025 Live Your Dream Award
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.
The recipient (shown to the left) is the LYD awardee Sadie Beltz. Sadie Beltz, fueled by her passion for health, will study Herbalism to connect the power of natural resources with human well-being.
2025 Ruby Award
The Ruby Award recognizes and celebrates non-Soroptimist women who are making extraordinary efforts to improve the lives of women and girls, whether through their personal volunteer work or professional endeavors.
The recipient (shown to the left) is the Ruby awardee Denica Camberos. Denica Camberos, in her short time in Calistoga, has shown a strong commitment to helping her community through her love for Futbol. This dedication earned her a nomination from Melina Mendoza, the mother of one of her players.
Past Recipients
Violet's Motto
“It is What you Do that Counts"
The Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award is a recognition program for young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose activities make the community and world a better place.