DOWNEY - Soroptimist International of Downey honored nearly a dozen students at its annual scholarship award presentations May 13 at the Rio Hondo Event Center.Karen Ponce (Downey High School), James Marsano (Warren) and Veraphum Chaiyakam (Warren) each received the Marvel Dodson Art Scholarship, named after the longtime Soroptimist member. The scholarship is presented to high school students who will pursue a career in the arts after graduation. Olga Acosta and Ben Basuni received the Della Doyle Scholarship, named in honor of Downey's first female city clerk. The scholarship is awarded to Cerritos College students continuing his or her education in a business-related field of study. Receiving the Special Education Achievement Award were Alejandro Villanueva (Downey) and Jonathan McHenry (Warren). The award recognizes outstanding graduating seniors who have been recipients of instructional support services in the Downey Unified School District. Earning Vocational Scholarships were Andres Gonzalez (Columbus), Erika Madrigal (Downey) and Adria Hoyt (Warren). These scholarships are awarded to students who are continuing with education or training in pursuit of vocational careers. The Soroptimist Club has not yet chosen a recipient for its Women in Sports Award, which honors a female student who participates in athletics while pursuing their educational goals. The award recipient will be chosen from Cal State Long Beach.

********** Published: June 24, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 10