Soroptimist International of Sequim is holding its annual Violet Richardson Award competition for young women within the Sequim School District who make the world a better place through their volunteer efforts that benefit women and girls.

The first-place winner will receive a $250 award and a $250 monetary gift will be given to a charity of the girl’s choice.

The second-place winner will receive a $250 award. (No award is issued to a charity.)

Winners will be recognized and presented their monetary awards at a Soroptimist breakfast meeting on May 23.

Award application requirements:

• Female teen between ages of 14-18

• Residing in Sequim School District (In addition to public school students, home school and private school students are encouraged to apply for the award.)

• Submission of the Violet Richardson Award Application which includes a 750-word (maximum) essay describing their volunteer activities, the organizations and goals, and the impact of the problem(s) addressed.

• Deadline for application submission is April 30.

More information about the award, the application process and a downloadable application form can be found at SISequim.org.

Questions about the application process or the award should be emailed to VRA@SISequim.org.

The annual VRA Service award is given in honor of Violet Richardson who was the first president of the initial Soroptimist Club founded in 1921 in Oakland, Calif.

This year the Sequim Soroptimist club (which was founded in 1947) celebrates 70 years of service to the Sequim community.

Sequim Soroptimists support local organizations and activities committed to improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.