06/04/2026
Soroptimist International of Eel River Valley recognized Lilyan Newell, Belky Gallardo, and Elise Brower as their May Girls of the Month for Citizenship. .
Lilyan Newell, daughter of Sarah and Steve Brodhag and Landon Newell, is a senior at Fortuna High School. She has been involved with various clubs and sports throughout her high school career. Lilyan was the President of the Creeks Club for campus clean-up. She has participated in the Gardening Club where they created and tended an on-campus garden. And most recently, she has been the President of the Book Club. Lilyan has played both softball and volleyball and has worked at various jobs in the community. She also participated in the (HESI) Healthcare Exploration Summer Institute where Lilyan shadowed doctors and nurses for 3 weeks. In addition, she has been a Husky Pack leader and worked with incoming freshman to help them succeed. Lilyan plans to attend College of the Redwoods and participate in their dental assisting program. Her ultimate goal is to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology and become a dental hygienist.
Belky Gallardo, a senior at Ferndale High School, is the daughter of Erica Acevedo and Angel Cortes. School Cheer is the sport that she loves. Belky has been involved in football, softball, and basketball cheer. She has participated in basketball cheer since 8th grade, receiving the most improved award and the most inspirational award. Belky is bi-lingual and enjoys being fluent in Spanish and English. She describes herself as very talkative. Belky enjoys meeting people and getting to know more about them. She has been on the Honor Roll for 3 years. Belky plans to attend Butte College. Initially, she will major in Kinesiology and then transfer to a 4-year university to pursue her goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Elise Brower, daughter of Marcus and Hallie Brower, is an early graduate of
East High School. She credits East High School and their teachers for helping her thrive. Elise has always been a person who wants to help others. She has helped her grandmother with summer school at the elementary level and preparing packages to give to the homeless. Elise interned at College of the Redwoods in the child care center and with a special education class. She is certified in CPR, has her AED certificate, and has taken first aid. Elise also took on-line classes to become a mandated reporter. She enjoys growing plants, reading, and taking walks in the woods. Since graduation, Elise has lived in her own apartment. She is currently working at Changing Tides Family Services as a respite worker where she works with children with Autism, Downs Syndrome, or other challenges. She finds this work very fulfilling and is motivated by having a younger sister who is autistic.
