La Conner Soroptimists awarded $5,000 “Live Your Dream” grants to three local nursing students, helping them cover living expenses while pursuing their education.

Kelly Clayton, Sondra Gonzalez, and Brenda Martinez, all of whom are studying nursing at Skagit Valley College, received the awards during a recent event recognizing their academic achievements and perseverance through challenges.

“This is not a scholarship,” La Conner Soroptimist co-President Diane Goetz emphasized. “It’s an award.”

Goetz praised the recipients for their dedication and determination.

“These are women who know they can make a difference,” she said. “And we’re proud of them.”

The local Soroptimist chapter funds initiatives like this through sales of donated merchandise at Vintage La Conner, a thrift shop at North Third and Morris.

“We get lots and lots of good stuff so we can do all kinds of things to help people,” Goetz said, noting the organization’s 63 members work year-round to support the community.

The awardees expressed deep gratitude for the support.

“I don’t have words,” Clayton said, her voice cracking with emotion. “To say how much this means to me.”

Gonzalez called the award a crucial step toward her dream of becoming a nurse.

“This is a stepping stone,” she said. “This award is more than assistance. It’s recognition of my potential.”

She also found encouragement in knowing the Soroptimists stand behind her.

“I’m not alone on this journey,” she said. “These funds will help me focus on my studies.”

Martinez, who described herself as “the crier of the group,” shared that she was inspired to become a nurse after experiencing compassionate care during the birth of her twins.

“I felt cared for, supported, and heard,” she said.

Soroptimist Maureen Harlan said Soroptimists also reap benefits from the La Conner chapter’s public service mission.

“We get to see how Soroptimists change people’s lives,” she said.