SOROPTIMIST CLUB GIVES AWARDS TO 6.

Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer

Six Santa Clarita women were honored recently by Soroptimist International for their efforts to make the world a better place for other women.

During the organization's annual Service Awards Breakfast at the Hyatt Valencia, President Carolyn Brimer announced the winners of the various awards.

Three local high students received the Violet Richardson Award, which honors those who participate in activities to help solve social problems and who serve as an inspiration to others.

Victoria Phipps of Valencia High School received $1,000 for the first- place award; Tiffany Graham of Cornerstone Christian School received $750 for second; and Ciara Ignacio of William S. Hart High School received $500 for third.

``All of these girls are very oriented on getting a good education, going to college and being self-sufficient,'' Brimer said. ``They are all taking concurrent classes at College of the Canyons, and still find time to volunteer in the community.''

Renee O'Quinn, a College of the Canyons student, received the Women's Opportunity Award and a $1,000 scholarship. This award is given to women seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training or education.

O'Quinn is a single mother of two who works full time while going to school.

Mary Caravalho was the recipient of the Women Helping Women Award, which honors women who consistently and effectively use their resources and talents to help women achieve their potential.

Caravalho set up the Foundation for Children's Dental Health, a mobile unit that visits schools and neighborhoods providing dental health for low-income children.

Kim Kurowski, vice president of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce and owner of A-1 Party, received the Woman of Distinction Award. This award honors women who have made outstanding achievements in their professional, business or volunteer activities.

``I can't even tell you how many things she has done to make this community a better place,'' Brimer said of Kurowski. ``She's very outgoing, vivacious and very community-oriented.''

Valencia Acura was honored with the Advancing the Status of Women Award as a business that promotes recognition of women's issues. Owners Don and Cheri Flemming serve on several local charity boards and contribute to many community organizations, Brimer said.

The Flemming/Crawford Golf Tournament, which is being planned and will focus on breast cancer awareness, is just one example of the Flemmings' effort to publicize women's issues, she said.

Soroptimist, which means ``best for women'' in Latin, sponsors local projects to benefit women. It's the international voice of the organization that often acts as an advocate on behalf of women to the United Nations.

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3 photos

Photo: (1 -- 3) At far left, Patti Fincher, left, poses with the winner of the Women's Opportunity Award, Renne O'Quinn. In the center, Cheri Fleming, left, who serves on local charity boards, presents Kim Kurowski with the Women of Distinction Award. At right, Cheri and Dan Fleming, owners of Valencia Acura, receive the Advancing the Status of Women award from Soroptimist member Linda Hafizi, left.