Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor awarded $8,500 in cash grants to recipients of the 2012 Women’s Opportunity Awards Program at a breakfast awards ceremony. Recipients are Gabrielle Parsons, Melissa Riker and Elizabeth Busche.

Since 1972, the Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards program has provided women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The cash award can be used for tuition, books, childcare, carfare or any other education-related expense.

First place recipient at the March 9 ceremony, Gabrielle Parsons, will advance to the Soroptimist Northwestern Region level, where one recipient will receive $5,000. The Women’s Opportunity Awards Program culminates with three finalist $10,000 awards.

Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor is a volunteer organization for women dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.

In addition to participating in the Women’s Opportunity Awards program, Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor provides mammograms and heart health exams to local women in need, supports programs to raise awareness and the prevention of violence in all forms against women and girls, and promotes efforts to enhance educational and leadership opportunities for women and girls locally and around the world.

For more information, visit www.sioakharbor.org or find the club on Facebook.