Photo provided Tori Nest, left, a radiology technology student at Belmont College, is congratulated as this year’s winner of the “Live Your Dream” scholarship from Soroptimist Wheeling. Standing with her are committee members Barb LaRue, Jackie Johnston, Suzanne Nelson, Barb Clough, and Susan Jones.

WHEELING – Soroptimist Wheeling has awarded a $2,500 college scholarship while telling a local mother attending college she can continue to “live your dream.”

The club each year presents its Live Your Dream scholarship to a woman they select as trying to better her own life, as well as those of her family.

The 2026 winner is Tori Nest, a student at Belmont College in the radiology technologist program. She is completing her first year in the program and expects to receive an associate’s degree in May 2027.

“It’s a nice thing to do for eligible women,” said Barbara LaRue, who chairs the club’s Live Your Dream committee. Others on the committee include Jacqueline Johnston, Susan Jones, Suzanne Nelson, and Barb Clough.

Those eligible to apply for the award are single women serving as head of the household and the main source of financial support for their family.

“It is a woman going back to school to better herself,” LaRue explained. “They may have a spouse, but they have to be the sole financial person for the family.”

Applicants also typically have children, she added.

Soroptimist Wheeling typically receives between seven and 10 applicants each year seeking the scholarship.

Information provided is kept confidential, according to LaRue. She noted only she has access to the applications until the time they are presented to committee members for consideration. Most often, those receiving the money are in their 20s and working toward an associate’s degree, according to LaRue.

“We look for someone we think has written an honest essay and looks like they are trying to better themselves,” she explained. “Some have hardships they have overcome.

“We look at their financial record of earnings and what they pay out. Then we look at the overall picture of the person to see they have the overall need.”

Often more than one applicant is selected, and the money designated for the scholarship is divided among them. This year, Nest was the only winner selected.

“She is very deserving,” LaRue said. “We go by their references. We look at the quality of the references and the grades they give them. She had all fives.”

Soroptimist Wheeling held a dinner for Nest to present the award. Among those turning out to support her were her grandfather and one of her instructors, who termed Nest “a very good student,” according to LaRue.

“She is a little older – in her 30s,” LaRue said. “It was very touching. We were all almost in tears.”

Soroptimist Wheeling begins accepting applications for the scholarships in August. Applications must be submitted online at soroptimist.org/lyda-apply before Nov. 15.

Committee members begin considering the applications in December, and winners are announced in March.

LaRue noted Soroptimist Wheeling is always seeking new members. Members meet at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at the First State Capitol Building. The club can be contacted through its Facebook page.

“We’re all about doing things for girls and women who have needs,” LaRue explained. “It’s a good thing to do, and it’s very rewarding to members.”