Soroptimist International of Dixon was proud to award Sarah Montano, a Senior at Dixon High School, with the Violet Richardson Award. She was joined by SI Dixon President Barbara Rigdon (right). Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International of Dixon

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Dixon recently awarded Sarah Montano, a senior at Dixon High School, with the Violet Richardson Award. The award is named after Violet Richardson, president of the first Soroptimist club in Alameda County in 1921.

 Richardson championed the idea of personal responsibility and lived by the motto, “It's what you do that counts.”

The award recognizes young women aged 14 to 18 for their volunteer efforts in areas such as combating drugs, crime, and violence, environmental cleanup and working towards the eradication of discrimination and poverty.

Montano took advantage of her position as a youth volunteer at the local library and as Key Club President to create Keys to Learning, a student-led tutoring initiative for elementary and middle school students. Launching this program involved obtaining school approval, recruiting volunteers and collaborating with Dixon Library to secure a supportive environment for learning. Additionally, it required developing the program and its curriculum. The program consists of weekly sessions with the students. The program has flourished and “has evolved into a two-year initiative that benefits the children of this community,” said Montano.

Montano's college plans are not firm yet, but she is interested in pursuing studies that will lead her into the field of science. In addition to Montano’s award, a donation was made on her behalf to the Dixon High School Key Club. SI Dixon takes great pride in supporting young women like Montano, who are actively working to create a positive impact in our community.