Soroptimist International of Parsons hosted its 2025 Award Luncheon on May 6 recognizing local women and girls who are making meaningful strides in education, community service, and personal growth.
Held at the Cardinal Event Center at Labette Community College, the luncheon highlighted the Soroptimist mission of improving the lives of women and girls through access to education and empowerment. Club members, community leaders and supporters gathered to celebrate the honorees and their achievements.
Among this year’s award recipients was Kaylee Eberhart, a senior at Labette County High School, who was honored with the Violet Richardson Scholarship for her extensive volunteer efforts, including her work with the Parsons Nazarene Church Youth Group’s mission trips to support homeless veterans, and her work with community-based food security initiatives.
Ashlyn Hicks received the Barbara Jean Robinson Scholarship, which is presented annually to a woman currently enrolled in college who has demonstrated perseverance, academic achievement and a commitment to giving back. Hicks, a Labette Community College sophomore who graduated May 16, plans to transfer to Pittsburg State University in the fall. Her dream is to become an art teacher in her hometown of Parsons. Hicks reflected the spirit of the award’s namesake through her hard work and devotion to her hometown.
Cyprus Jones was named this year’s recipient of the Live Your Dream Award. The Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The award was designed to give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Over half of all the Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Live Your Dream Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
Jones works with Parsons law enforcement as an advocate for domestic violence victims, a program that was long overdue for our area and has done a lot of good in the short time it has existed. Victim advocacy is near and dear to her heart. Her personal experiences have given her a unique level of empathy, which allows her to help people through some of the most trying experiences they will face. Jones’ work with the local community, her status of the head of household for her family and her desire to continue pursuing higher education made her a perfect choice for this year’s award. Jones graduated from LCC on May 16 and will pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Julie Legler is the 2025 recipient of the Ruby Award, which honors a non-Soroptimist woman who is working to improve the lives of women and girls through her professional and volunteer efforts. One of Julie’s passions is helping children. Whether it’s being the best mother she can be to her own two children or the more than 500 children throughout in the Parsons public school system, she strives to provide excellent educational opportunities and experiences. This is demonstrated by her many volunteer efforts. She serves on the USD 503 Board of Education and is an officer for the Parsons Elementary Schools PTO. But her service to local youth doesn’t end there. She also serves on the Parsons Youth Swim Team Board, and she spent nine years on the Board of Directors for the local children’s museum, Curious Minds. She has also volunteered for Parsons Project Prom, the Stella Wells basket registration and the Care Cupboard Hygiene Pantry.
Julie’s compassion and outstanding service made her a perfect candidate for this year’s Ruby Award. The Ruby Award reflects the values and legacy of Ruby Lee Minar, a trailblazing leader and the first national president of Soroptimist International of the Americas whose life of service and leadership continues to inspire the club’s mission today.
“This luncheon is one of the most meaningful things we do all year,” said Lindi Forbes, Parsons president. “It’s a beautiful reminder of why we exist, to encourage and uplift women and girls in their pursuit of education, purpose and service. Our recipients are already making a difference, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
Soroptimist president Lindi Forbes (right) presents Ashlyn Hicks the Barbara Jean Robinson Award.
