Officials Attend Soroptimist Intl. Azusa Glendora Event for Girls

Glendora, CA – As the spring 2023 semester drew to a close, elected officials, including Senator Susan Rubio (SD 22), K-12 board members, school officials and proud families gathered to honor 14 local middle school girls. The occasion was Soroptimist International (SI) of Azusa Glendora’s Annual Personal Growth Luncheon for middle school girls.

“Each of these young women was selected by her school counselor on the basis of her personal growth over the past school year,” said Rhonda Beltran, SI Azusa Glendora president. “These girls have demonstrated their ability to preserve in their studies while dealing with some of life’s most difficult challenges,” she said.

Those in attendance heard stories of overcoming bulling and learning disabilities; recovering from life-threatening medical issues, such as brain aneurysms and being hit by a car; and the loss of a parent.

“It takes courage to stand at a podium and tell your personal story of hardship to a room of almost a hundred people you don't know,” said SI Azusa Glendora President-elect and Personal Growth coordinator Shannon Lancaster. She added, “These young ladies are 12 and 13 years old, and they truly braved the situation. As they presented their stories, the audience was awed by their accomplishments, courage and strength. Our hope is that they become empowered by sharing their heartfelt stories."

Lunch was served to more than 90 guests, courtesy of SI Azusa Glendora members and club sponsors.

During lunch, Senator Rubio made remarks focused on the honorees, as she shared her own story of overcoming challenges as a child emigrating with her parents. Each girl was presented with a certificate from elected officials who serve the area in Congress, the California State Senate and Assembly and the County of Los Angeles. As part of her Personal Growth award, each girl received a large bag filled with gifts and gift cards from club members. Their names will also be added to plaques that will be displayed in the main office of each middle school.

SI Azusa Glendora’s Annual Personal Growth Luncheon is one of several club programs focused on success for women and girls. Other programs include Self-Confidence, a workshop for fifth grade girls; Dream-It-Be-It, a career workshop for high school girls; and Live Your Dream, which makes monetary awards to deserving women who are head-of-household and enrolled in college. Each program develops self-esteem and stresses the importance of education.

SI Azusa Glendora also provides annual support to various outstanding community organizations. Those include YWCA/WINGS Shelter, House of Ruth, Azusa Food Bank/Pathfinder Ministries, Glendora Welfare, Our Neighborhood Homework House, Glendora Shepherd’s Pantry, Glendora Welfare and Shoes that Fit.

For information about any of the activities or events hosted by the Soroptimist International of Azusa-Glendora, please contact: Shannon Lancaster at: [email protected]