LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — “Keep on keepin’ on” was a theme in a talk given by special guest Julie Isphording at the 17th annual Outstanding Women of Clinton County (OWCC) recognition luncheon.
The Saturday event at Roberts Centre honored eight local women who have made important economic, social, cultural or humanitarian contributions to their communities.
The award recipients are Cindy Camp, Susan Henry, Nancy McCormick, Diane Murphy, Ruby Porter, Sigrid Solomon, Avonelle Williams and Hope Wilson-Belle.
Using film clips and props such as her diary, Isphording told her story of qualifying for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, then suffering an injury during the marathon and not finishing the race, and later coming back to participate in other marathons, including one held on the same course in L.A. when she was finally able to cross the finish line.
During her talk, she pulled out lessons from her experiences. One lesson is that “people want to help.” Another lesson is to “find people who challenge you.”
At one point in her life, she said, it was important to be “an Olympic patient” in her attempt to recover from injury.
Isphoding also thinks, “Happy doesn’t happen to you. You go get it.”
In addition to the public recognition of the newest group of Outstanding Women of Clinton County, the four latest recipients of $1,500 OWCC scholarships were presented at the ceremony. They are Mai Cooper from Wilmington High School, Emma Mathews from East Clinton, Nikki Settlemyre from Clinton-Massie and Anna Tobler from Blanchester High School.
The purpose of the OWCC Scholarship Fund is to assist young women who plan to attend college or other post-secondary education. Priority is given to a young woman who shows evidence of community service and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768 or on Twitter @GHuffenberger.
