Our History:
The Outstanding Women of Clinton County award was established in 2000 to recognize and honor the women of Clinton County who have made important economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian contributions to their communities.
The first honorees were recognized at a luncheon on July 5, 2000. The backdrop for this event was the Wilmington Chautauqua program celebrating the life of Victoria Woodhull, an Ohio native who had immense impact on social, political, and cultural affairs in this country and abroad. Six women were honored - Dr. Mary Boyd, Darleen Myers, Virginia Smith, Georgiana Thomas, Elizabeth Williams, and Elizabeth Shrieves. Jan Hiatt was the key note speaker. Each honoree received a citation, bouquet of flowers, and a medallion on a pink ribbon - traditions which continue today.
Over 200 women attended the luncheon in the Wilmington High School auditeria. Because of the enthusiastic response from the community and the success of the event, the organizers decided to make this an annual event and established the Outstanding Women Awards Committee, and agreed that future recipients of the award would be honored during Women's History Month - March of each year. The awards committee is made up of women representing the various communities of the county.
Each year in the fall, residents of Clinton County are invited to nominate deserving women for the award. Nominations are reviewed by the awards committee and the selection and announcement of the award recipients is made in February.
To date, 95 women have been recognized. Characteristics of those honored include women who have promoted community beautification, quality of life, history and culture, women who have acted as a voice or conscience, touched the lives of children and youth, demonstrated courage and strength of character, women who have shared their talents with their communities, and women who have put others' needs about their own.
In addition to the women who are recognized for their accomplishments, a key feature of the awards luncheon is the key note speaker. Each year, the awards committee invites a woman who is well known in her field and profession to be a key note speaker. When possible, our speakers are also natives from the area who have excelled in their profession. Key note speakers with local ties have been Jan Hiatt, Ellen Hill, Linda Robinson, Karen Losey Carnahan, Stephanie Hodge, Connie McNeil, Kay Brewer, and Marcy Hawley. Others have included Laura Pulfer, Ann Hagadorn, Linda Hengst, Connie Schultz, and Valarie Willis.
Music has always been an important part of our celebration and, as such, we feature women musicians and musical groups, like the Clintonaires, Joyful Noise, Ann Wolford, Lauren Davis, Susanne Hamilton, Cinnamon Peppo, Trisha Pence, Barbara Dennis, and most recently OWCC Board member Liz McAllister.
The Outstanding Women of Clinton County award was established in 2000 to recognize and honor the women of Clinton County who have made important economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian contributions to their communities.
The first honorees were recognized at a luncheon on July 5, 2000. The backdrop for this event was the Wilmington Chautauqua program celebrating the life of Victoria Woodhull, an Ohio native who had immense impact on social, political, and cultural affairs in this country and abroad. Six women were honored - Dr. Mary Boyd, Darleen Myers, Virginia Smith, Georgiana Thomas, Elizabeth Williams, and Elizabeth Shrieves. Jan Hiatt was the key note speaker. Each honoree received a citation, bouquet of flowers, and a medallion on a pink ribbon - traditions which continue today.
Over 200 women attended the luncheon in the Wilmington High School auditeria. Because of the enthusiastic response from the community and the success of the event, the organizers decided to make this an annual event and established the Outstanding Women Awards Committee, and agreed that future recipients of the award would be honored during Women's History Month - March of each year. The awards committee is made up of women representing the various communities of the county.
Each year in the fall, residents of Clinton County are invited to nominate deserving women for the award. Nominations are reviewed by the awards committee and the selection and announcement of the award recipients is made in February.
To date, 95 women have been recognized. Characteristics of those honored include women who have promoted community beautification, quality of life, history and culture, women who have acted as a voice or conscience, touched the lives of children and youth, demonstrated courage and strength of character, women who have shared their talents with their communities, and women who have put others' needs about their own.
In addition to the women who are recognized for their accomplishments, a key feature of the awards luncheon is the key note speaker. Each year, the awards committee invites a woman who is well known in her field and profession to be a key note speaker. When possible, our speakers are also natives from the area who have excelled in their profession. Key note speakers with local ties have been Jan Hiatt, Ellen Hill, Linda Robinson, Karen Losey Carnahan, Stephanie Hodge, Connie McNeil, Kay Brewer, and Marcy Hawley. Others have included Laura Pulfer, Ann Hagadorn, Linda Hengst, Connie Schultz, and Valarie Willis.
Music has always been an important part of our celebration and, as such, we feature women musicians and musical groups, like the Clintonaires, Joyful Noise, Ann Wolford, Lauren Davis, Susanne Hamilton, Cinnamon Peppo, Trisha Pence, Barbara Dennis, and most recently OWCC Board member Liz McAllister.
