girls in the news recognition

* 1.27.12 Indiana Second-Grader Valerie Shaffer Raises $3,200 Donation for Purchase of Police Dog.
County officials commend Valerie for helping to raise a significant portion of the $14,000 needed.
Learn more.

*   Girl Scouts of America Announce New Badge Awards Tailored to 21st Century and Participant Interests 10.14.11

*   Southside High School, Ft. Wayne, Indiana Hosts Teen Dating Presentation
    10.14.11

21-year-old Ball State University senior Jenna Marie James wins
lunch with Warren Buffett with competition video about
"The Future of Public Relations"

Congratulations from Midwestern Region Soroptimist members!

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Women and Girls
Living a Dream Indeed: Aelita Andrea
Prodigy of Color: A Four-Year-Old's Passion
You may have seen her on TV. Most currently she has had a solo exhibit in Manhattan.

Read about Taylor's Dream Coming True
A "Boundless" Playground Park for Kids
.

$325 in Toys and Games Per Packpack
Where Would One Start? Tatum Knows.
Ten-Year-Old, Two-Time Cancer Survivor
Tatum Parker Honored as Hoosier Rising Star

July 7, 2011--Indianapolis, IN. Lt. Governor Becky Skillman
recognized Tatum Parker today as a Hoosier Rising Star for
her efforts to cheer and encourage fellow child cancer patients in Indiana.

"I am amazed not only by what Tatum has overcome, but by what she has achieved,"
Lt. Governor Becky Skillman said. "Tatum provides hundreds of Hoosier children with the gift of cheer through her backpack effort. Knowing that your child is a recipient of such a beautiful gift, must provide some comfort to parents."

Tatum, a two-time survivor of cancer including rare bone cancer, established a non-profit organization nearly
three years ago. Through her non-profit Tatum's Bags of Fun she has distributed nearly 800 bags each filled
with approximately $325 worth of games, toys and activities to children in Indiana with cancer. Each year
approximately 250 to 300 children in Indiana are diagnosed.

Tatum is a spokesperson for Riley Children's Foundation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She holds
fundraisers, speaks at various organization events and provides assistance at children support groups.

Spring Mill Elementary School's principal nominated fifth-grader Tatum for the award. Spring Mill is
in Washington Township.

The Hoosier Rising Star Award program was created by Lt. Governor Skillman in 2007 to honor
children.Indiana youth making a difference in their community. Any student enrolled in grades K-12
during the 2010-2011 school year was eligible to be nominated by a member of their community
for the Hoosier Rising Star Award.

Monroe County Michigan Rotary Club Bestowes 5th Annual Service Above Self Awards

As reported in the Monroe Evening News,May 14th, 201l, Soroptimist International of Monroe County and
8-year old Olivya Brodieat were among honorees recognized during the presentation at the County
Community College. President Cindy Ellison accepted the award certificate for SI-Monroe County. The
winners will travel to Lansing to be recognized on the floor of the Michigan Legislature by Senate Majority
Leader Randy Richardville, Monroe.

This year's program honored eight youths, 23 adults and 14 organizations in four categories: Youth,
Individual Adult, Not-for-Profit Organization and For-Profit Business. Monroe Rotary organized the event
as a community outreach project to recognize the altruistic efforts of others not directly affiliated with Rotary.

The Youth honoree is 8-year old Olivya Brodie who raised more than $13,000 in money and donated
services to facilitate a program she created to ensure that children who needed glasses or lenses could
obtain them.

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