SI-Sunrise's 2009-10 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Taylor Olson Hill
SI-Ashland's 2009-10 Violet Richardson Award Winner: Maraya Best
Maraya Best, 2010
"I believe we all have something to offer and that service
is an integral part of a life well lived. Over the past 4 years, I have had
opportunities to volunteer in diverse settings for a number of organizations.
From occasionally serving meals to the hungry and seasonally playing my violin
to seniors in assisted living to coaching soccer for YMCA under -5 kids; from
working in rice fields in Thailand to teaching art to school children in Costa
Rica; from organizing a team for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
to assisting in a local bi-lingual children's program, the work has been varied
and the experiences have been exceptional.
"As I look ahead, travel, service and exploring other
cultures will continue to define me. Majoring in International Studies and
Spanish will begin to shape my career path. I can imagine from my experiences
in Costa Rica and Thailand that my passions will ultimately lead me to work
within the global community--ideally for an organization like the UN.
"Wherever I end up I will carry with me my desire to help
people and really make a difference. My volunteer experiences have permanently
ingrained in me the value that the smallest act of kindness can change
someone's life and we can ALL make a difference. In giving, I have always been
gifted. My work for these varied organizations (and others with similar ideals)
has led me to step out of my comfortable box to see the world from a different
perspective. I will always remember that happiness is never about what you
have, but what you share."
SI-Sunrise honored Taylor Olson Hill for work with Special Olympians. Soroptimist NWR further honored Taylor as runner-up for the Regional Award.
The Violet Richardson Award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts such as: fighting drugs, crime and violence; cleaning up the environment; and working to end discrimination and poverty. Volunteer actions that benefit women or girls are especially valued. Soroptimist is an organization of women whose members volunteer in their communities, often working on the same problems that you do. Although we realize that volunteering is its own reward, we also know it feels good to be recognized for your actions. And that's why we sponsor this award.
Improving the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.
