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
2024 Scholarship Recipients
2024 Calistoga High School Recipients
This year, our club awarded four scholarships to four incredible young women at CJSHS. Evelyn Garcia (top left) who will go on to attend UCLA (Go Bruins). Daisy Robles (top right) Cindy Lopez (bottom left) & Thalia Alfaro (bottom right) who will attend Sonoma State (Go Lobos). These four brilliant, resilient and beautiful women are stellar examples of what determination and persistence can bring about. In addition to their remarkable academic achievements.
2024 Higher Education Recipients
This scholarship represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes a commitment to continuing academic excellence, the pursuit of personal growth, and community commitment.
Andrea Salomon is a native of Calistoga and completed her undergraduate work at the University of Davis where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in pharmaceutical chemistry. She is now completing her first year as a pharmacy student at Touro University where she hopes to graduate with a doctorate in 2026. After graduation Andrea hopes to return home to serve and care for her community.
2024 Higher Education Recipients
A former scholarship winner, Monce Perez is heading into her 3rd year as a full time student who commutes to Sacramento State majoring in interior architecture while hoping to graduate with a full architecture degree.
In her own words, “My pursuit of academic excellence is not merely a personal endeavor but a commitment to honor my family and their sacrifices.” With a “family first” motivation Monce chauffeurs her older sister to school, watches over her younger sister, carries a full HEAVY academic schedule and until recently EVEN held a job ALL while maintaining a high ranking GPA.
While our practice is to award one time scholarships, our club is excited to support Monce Perez on her continued academic journey. She’s a RISING star!
2024 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 Maritza Ceja. She is pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Pacific Union College in nursing. Her goal is to finish her education so she can be an ICU nurse and care for the most vulnerable. It Has been her dream since she became a mother.
Maritza Ceja has shown incredible strength and motivation to accomplish her goals with an enthusiastic and positive attitude besides all her challenges.
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.