Soroptimists recognize area women
Soroptimist International of Twin Cities held its annual awards ceremony at Charlotte's Restaurant in Kenai on May 22, honoring three women as part of the Women Helping Women program.
Kenai Peninsula residents Rosie Reeder and Jean Brockel earned the Women of Distinction awards, while Syerenna Van Bruggen earned the Women's Opportunity Award.
The Women of Distinction award honors women of exemplary character and integrity who have demonstrated outstanding ability and leadership in one or more of the Soroptimist programs.
Reeder was recognized for her work as a special education aide and as lead coordinator of the Soldotna Community Schools program.
Brockel was recognized for her career in education as a music teacher, as well as for the many theater and cultural activities in which she has partipated.
The Women's Opportunity Award scholarship goes to a mature woman entering or returning to the job market and completing specific vocational, technical or undergraduate education programs. Van Bruggen received the scholarship to complete her nursing degree the Keani Penin-sula College-Weber State Univer-sity nursing program.