21st class of Outstanding Women of Clinton County honored

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WILMINGTON — Well over 200 people were on hand as seven women were honored Saturday as inductees of the 2020 class of the 21st Annual Outstanding Women of Clinton County.

The event at the Roberts Centre recognizes “women who have enriched the lives of, and had a lasting impact on, their fellow Clinton County residents.”

The Class of 2020 consists of Andrea Davis, Barbara Davis, Connie Hardie, Lorry Swindler, Marsha Wagstaff, Elizabeth Carter Weaver, and Brenda Woods.

The OWCC committee also awards four annual scholarships to one senior from each of the county’s high schools. This year’s honorees are: Eliana Tacoronte, Blanchester; Savannah Henderson, Clinton-Massie; Carlie Ellis, East Clinton; and Samantha McCord, Wilmington.

Keynote speaker was native Clinton Countian Shelby Boatman, Executive Director of the Clinton County History Center.

“When we make local women stronger, we make our community stronger. I would not be in the position of Executive Director today were it not for the individuals and community who supported me, encouraged me, and cheered me on,” Boatman told the audience. “Women throughout history would not be as memorable without this type of encouragement, too. Nationally, would we know who Clara Barton, Amelia Earhart, or even Rosa Parks were, if they were not encouraged by their peers or community?”

Boatman brought up several women who achieved Clinton County milestones — from Ellen Wright, a member of the first graduating class of Wilmington College and a legendary longtime teacher and mentor, to Katheryn Hale, the county’s first female pilot.

“I have to stop and wonder, what will transpire within the next 100 years to propel women in their communities, towns, states, and country?” she said. “My response today is a call to action. May we, as a community, as Clinton County, lift up our daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, and female counterparts so they can one day become names in a history book.

“Many of the qualities historic women possess, women of today do also. And our seven Outstanding Women, without a doubt, possess these characteristics as well.”

The first luncheon to honor the initial class of Outstanding Women of Clinton County was held in 2000, recognizing the women of Clinton County who have made important economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian contributions to their communities. Each honoree in 2000 received a citation, a bouquet of flowers and a medallion on a pink ribbon — traditions which continue today.

The event is sponsored by the Wilmington News Journal, with generous support from First State Bank, Peoples Bank, Wilmington Savings Bank, and Wilmington College.

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_OWCC-2020-logo-4.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

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Attendees and inductees enjoyed time just prior to the event, including inductee Brenda Woods and family.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0011.jpgAttendees and inductees enjoyed time just prior to the event, including inductee Brenda Woods and family. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0013.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0017.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

Keynote speaker was Shelby Boatman, Executive Director of the Clinton County History Center.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0027.jpgKeynote speaker was Shelby Boatman, Executive Director of the Clinton County History Center. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0028.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0029.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0032.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0034.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0036.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0038.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0041.jpgGary Huffenberger | News Journal

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From left are scholarship winners Samantha McCord and Savannah Henderson. Fellow winners Eliana Tacoronte and Carlie Ellis were both out of town Saturday and unable to attend.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0047.jpgFrom left are scholarship winners Samantha McCord and Savannah Henderson. Fellow winners Eliana Tacoronte and Carlie Ellis were both out of town Saturday and unable to attend. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

The Outstanding Women of Clinton County Committee works diligently every year to ensure that the event is a memorable one for attendees and inductees alike, including a special display and gift basket for each inductee; shown is the one for Marsha Wagstaff.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_wagstaff.jpgThe Outstanding Women of Clinton County Committee works diligently every year to ensure that the event is a memorable one for attendees and inductees alike, including a special display and gift basket for each inductee; shown is the one for Marsha Wagstaff. Audrey Wagstaff | Courtesy photo

Seven women were honored Saturday as Class of 2020 inductees as Outstanding Women of Clinton County. From left are: seated, Brenda Woods, Audrey Wagstaff (representing her mother, inductee Marsha Wagstaff, who was out of the country), Lorry Swindler, and Barbara Davis; and, standing, Phala Weaver (representing her mother, the late Elizabeth Carter Weaver), Andrea Davis, and Connie Hardie. For more photos, see inside as well as at wnewsj.com.
https://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/03/web1_DSC_0050.jpgSeven women were honored Saturday as Class of 2020 inductees as Outstanding Women of Clinton County. From left are: seated, Brenda Woods, Audrey Wagstaff (representing her mother, inductee Marsha Wagstaff, who was out of the country), Lorry Swindler, and Barbara Davis; and, standing, Phala Weaver (representing her mother, the late Elizabeth Carter Weaver), Andrea Davis, and Connie Hardie. For more photos, see inside as well as at wnewsj.com. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

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