Leaders in the Making The West Ranch Soroptimist Club

by Stephanie Struyck Elgin

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our youth do good deeds, nothing more inspiring than sitting in a room full of young high school students, taking time out of their lunch break, to discuss how they can help the less fortunate.  After spending an afternoon with the group, there was no doubt in my mind; these girls are our future leaders, and they are known as the S-Club at West Ranch High School, a branch of the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley (SIGSCV).
The Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley is a volunteer organization for business and professional women, inspiring women to live their dreams, celebrate their accomplishments and pass their good fortune to others.  
And the ladies of Soroptimist International have decided to pave the way for our youth, instilling these same philosophical values onto the young ladies at West Ranch High School.
The West Ranch Soroptimist Club, otherwise known as the S-Club, was formed two years ago by a group of high school girls.  These girls meet every Thursday during their lunch break.  The group is led by students Isabella Trangelo, President; Vianka Alanis, Vice President; Mallory Valencia, Treasurer; Esther Cho, Secretary; and Sarah Kang, Public Relations, with the assistance of Soroptimist LiasonsVanessa Wilk and Teri Knafla.  “I am so proud of these young ladies,” states Vanessa. “Not only are they good students, well organized, and great citizens, they have such great hearts and spend their free time helping others. They give teenagers a good name.”
The goal of S-Club is to improve the lives of women and girls through fundraising for organizations such as Single Mothers Outreach, SCV Pregnancy Center, Domestic Violence Center of Santa Clarita and more.  “One of my goals in life is to impact someone’s life in a positive way,” states S-Club president Isabella Trangelo. “I knew joining S-Club would give me the opportunity to do so, while making friends in the process because this club’s primary goal is to improve the lives of women (young and old) in local communities and even throughout the world.”  
“The girls are energized, organized and depict the image of Soroptimist (best for women),” states Soroptimist Darlene Gandara.  “It is so exciting to see high school girls embrace the idea of helping others and soon, I hope the college bound girls will join our SIGSCV club and continue to make a difference.”
To learn more about SIGSCV or how you can help, visit www.sigscv.org.