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Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW Dr. Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College, hosted the initial meeting of the recipients of the Women of Distinction awards and area Girl Scouts last Wednesday. "Our college's mission of the education of young women is in line with the mission of the Girl Scouts," Leary said. "We're always very proud of the recipients. They are distinguished women." This year's Women of Distinction are "Champions of Change." The seven women chosen for the 2008 honors are recognized for their ability to challenge the status quo with their vision of change. The practice of having the Girl Scouts honor these women began in Western Massachusetts in 1991, according to Brenda Wolfe, a special projects manager with the Girl Scouts. The award was designed to recognize the women who, "by consistent and effective use of their resources and talent, have demonstrated commitment, creative approach, outstanding leadership, inspiration and tangible accomplishments," according to the nomination form. Gina Barry, an attorney and shareholder with Bacon and Wilson P.C., was nominated for a program she started for abused and neglected horses. Milta Franco serves as the director of the North End Outreach Network in Springfield. Carol Johnson, as executive director of the Amherst Cinema Arts Center, rejuvenated a theater in Amherst as well as the Pleasant Street Theater in Northampton. Elizabeth D'Amour works as a nurse educator at Baystate Medical Center. Cathy Frye and Maureen Viturale work as school adjustment counselors in the Westfield Public Schools and started the Grandparents' Group, a collection of grandparents raising their grandchildren that meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Central Baptist Church, 115 Elm St. in Westfield. When asked how it felt to be honored as Women of Distinction, Viturale joked, "We've know it for a long time." She added, "We just want to inspire others to do what we do." "This is really important for the Girl Scouts and all those of a younger age," Frye said. "They need to know where they're going [in life]. We need to share the love of our job because we love what we're doing. It's important to do some kind of work where you help people." Woman of Distinction Patricia Spradley said she was very humbled and honored to be chosen for her work. She serves as the chief administrator for Parent and Community Engagement with the Springfield Public Schools. Spradley also works with Step Up Springfield, a community initiative to engage the city residents in supporting the Springfield Public Schools in getting all Springfield students to proficiency in academics and behavior. In addition, she works with the school department's School to Career/Workforce Development program. Spradley also serves as the superintendent of her church's Sunday School. "I'm into giving in general," Spradley said. "I give whenever I'm needed." The women were all paired with scouts from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) council who are working either on their Silver or Gold Awards (the highest level of Girl Scouting). The scouts interviewed the women on their accomplishments and will be introducing them at the Women of Distinction dinner taking place March 13, according to Judi Bullock, a representative of the Girl Scouts. Kayla McNeff, an eight-year Girl Scout and a freshman at the Renaissance School, said what the Women of Distinction have done is "amazing." "They make me want to keep going with my education and my work," she said. All seven "Champions of Change" will be honored with a dinner at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on March 13, starting at 5:30 p.m. If interested in attending, contact the GSCWM office at 525-4124. | ||||||
