McHenry resident honored at Soroptimist reception

On Saturday, May 17, Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago recognized local women for their volunteerism and academic achievements at a celebration at the Hi View Restaurant, Villa Park.

Jaclyn Fowler, a junior at Northern Illinois University, is the winner of the 2014 Virginia Wagner Educational Award presented by Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago. The Virginia Wagner Educational Award honors the effort and scholarship of a women attending a college or university to earn a baccalaureate, master or doctoral degree.

The McHenry resident is currently majoring in mathematics with a minor in Spanish. Her goal is to teach mathematics at the high school level where she hopes to help students learn that math is approachable, fun and easy. She wants to encourage students to pursue careers involving math.

She is a member of the Lambda Sigma Honor Society which involves not only university activity but works to give back to the community through fundraising and volunteerism. She was co-founder and serves as vice president of Northern Notes, an all-female a cappella group that does volunteer performances at NIU and in the community.

This summer, she will be involved with GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursions). Jaclyn will spend two weeks building a school in Nicaragua and teaching English to the Spanish speaking native children. She wants to share the encouragement, knowledge and confidence that she gained from her mentors and role models to ensure future opportunities for children wherever she may journey.

If you are interested in Soroptimist International of Suburban Chicago, please visit our website, www.si-suburbanchicago.org which provides information about the organization and other award programs.