Second row, from left, Tania David, Soroptimist president-elect; Yijia Zhao, secretary; Donna Krum; Joann Aquino; Tatian Ilmova; Anastasia Shamanaeva. First row, from left, Maureen Sebangiol, president; Davilynn Varry Laniyo, this year’s top winner; Reinalynn Attao, 1st runner up; Vertilia Camacho Cabrera, 2nd runner up; Christy Joy Aldan, 3rd runner up; Marilyn Marron; Suzy Perez; and Merle Byrd, treasurer.
SOROPTIMIST International Northern Mariana Islands awarded $3,500 to four women pursuing their undergraduate or trades education at the annual Live Your Dream Award event, which took place at PIC-Charley’s Cabaret on Feb. 10.
Davilynn Varry Laniyo was the recipient of the evening’s grand prize of $1,500. Reinalynn Attao was first runner-up, receiving $1,000; Vertilia Camacho Cabrera and Christy Joy Aldan each received $500 for third and fourth prizes, respectively.
To qualify for the award, the women had to be students pursuing an undergraduate or trades education; be the financial head of their household; and demonstrate a financial need, said Soroptimist Northern Marianas President Maureen Sebangiol.
She said the women applied online via a questionnaire and that their answers were vetted by local judges.
With their prizes, the women can utilize the funds to “continue their education,” Sebangiol said.
