The Downey Adult School cafeteria was transformed into a magical graduation scene when Soroptimist International of Downey gave eight scholarships to local high school seniors, and Kaiser Permanente Foundation contributed seven more for nursing students. 

Transformation is what Soroptimists hope will happen, “when the dollars Soroptimist raises turn into scholarships,” said Linda Haines, past president and a past governor of Camino Real Region, as she welcomed guests. “They are the means for inspiring, educating, and empowering women and children in our community.” 

After a buffet of lasagna, meatballs and pizza, guests sat at tables decorated with bud vases of tall white flowers, arranged by Mia Zimmerman, chair for the night. 

“I’m a decorator and a florist,” Mia said, “and tonight for the first time I’m in charge of awarding these Live Your Dream scholarships.” A fantasy of gold and black balloons flanked a giant check for $10,000, the scholarship total being awarded that evening.

Known as the “Club with the Mostest” because nobody gives a party like Soroptimist, these business and professional women follow their mission, to make the world a better place for women and children. One way to do that is through higher education, and all year the club finds ways to have fun and raise funds to create this opportunity. They embody the Soroptimist ideals of the joy of achievement and the dignity of service. 

In February, Soroptimist gave the Follow Your Dream awards to women who have turned their lives around, and as single heads of households, want to get a chance to learn a vocation, a trade or a profession. 

Tonight the emphasis was on young beginnings, for girls just about to leave high school and step out into a world of promise. “It’s a scary time,” said Leslie Murray, first woman chief of the Downey Police Department. “And it’s an exciting time in your life too.”

What advice did Chief Leslie have for these young people?  

“Find out what makes you happy,” she said.  “And then go for it.” The Chief said she hadn’t decided what to do with her life until one day in college someone asked her if she had ever thought of joining the police force. The more she thought about the idea, the more she liked it. 

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” Chief Leslie said. “Make your decisions for yourself.” 

Lola Abrahamian, governor of Soroptimist Camino Real Region and also a police lieutenant with the Glendale Police Department, applauded in agreement. Cynthia Jarvis and Janice Kurihara, directors of CRR Districts 2 and 3, were on hand for this important occasion.  

One of the scholarships is named for another first achiever too. The Della Doyle Award went to Maria Echeverria, a Cerritos College student who is continuing her studies in a business-related field. In the 1950’s, Della Doyle was the first woman city clerk for the City of Downey and also a founding president of the Downey chapter of Soroptimist International.   

“In today’s world, being clerk is now usually a job taken by women,” said Soroptimist Judy McDonnell, herself one of the Downey city clerks, following Della Doyle’s lead. “Given the chance, they do it well.”

The Marvel Dodson Art scholarships, named for that beloved Downey Soroptimist whose exquisite calligraphy enlivened so many programs and invitations, went to Litzy Loza of Downey High and Salma Noguera of Warren, who said, “This means so much to me.” Litzy had brought some samples of her work, and coaxed by Mia, Litzy held up two of her paintings.

The Educational Achievement Scholarship went to students with outstanding academic achievement, or those who had instructional support services from the Downey Unified School District. Emma Maturin, dressed in a black tulip skirted dress, won for Downey High. Young men appreciate empowerment too, and Samuel Lara won the award for Warren High. Samuel is an ambassador for the Special Olympics, and wore a tailored shirt and tie for the occasion.

Vocational scholarships for those continuing in a two-year school in pursuit of a trade were Berlyn Miranda from Columbus High, Dulce Vilchis from Warren, and Kimberly Wall from Downey High.  Kimberly wore a raspberry crushed velvet dress, following the current trend for skirts. Some young women wore white jeans with jackets, or dressy sweaters, or flowered prints. Footwear ranged from strappy high heeled sandals, and fitted boots, to flats or tennis shoes. In casual California, anything goes.

Principal of the Downey Adult School and host for the evening Blanca Rochin presented the Nursing Scholarships from Kaiser, designed to alleviate the severe shortage of nurses. Amelie Llausas, Gabriela Montalvo and Kimberly Asceno were the first to be awarded. They were followed by Latonia Pope, Shawna Moore, Wendy Urbina and Yendi Patina. 

Shawna said she was excited to receive the award but when asked said she didn’t have any other awards to help with expenses. Her father standing beside her nodded his encouragement and said, “We can do this.” Many parents accompanied their young awardees, and smiles of pride were everywhere.

Amazing trays of chocolate cupcakes appeared for dessert, with thick black icing decorated to look like mortarboards and tagged with little signs that said Congratulations Class of 2022. As the invitations for the evening read, Soroptimists Investing in Dreams.