LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — Women are uniquely positioned to tackle some of a local community’s most vexing challenges and problems, asserted the Outstanding Women of Clinton County (OWCC) event speaker.
Former Wilmington College First Lady and co-founder of the first OWCC awards program Chris Burns-DiBiasio was brought back to be guest speaker for the milestone 20th annual ceremony honoring Clinton County women who have made important contributions to their communities.
Looking back at the establishment of the OWCC awards, Burns-DiBiasio recalled that what brought a core group together then was the belief Clinton County had a living legacy of amazing women who had made a lasting impact on their communities, and who deserved to be recognized and whose stories needed to be told.
Remarking that many communities are under stress due to problems such as the opioid crisis, access to health care, affordable housing, mental health and more, she said women have the skills and talents to help move communities forward.
Burns-DiBiasio listed a number of those strong points.
Women, she said, are master multi-taskers, highly collaborative, well organized and purpose-driven. And she added to the list.
“We are passionate, adaptable and we persevere — we don’t stop until we get the job done and are not afraid of trial-and-error as long as it gets us closer to our goal,” said Burns-DiBiasio.
The seven women honored this year as members of the 2019 class of Outstanding Women of Clinton County are Sandy Pidgeon, Suzanne Madison, Sharon Breckel, Terri Thobaben, Linda Rinehart, Susan Parker and Lynn Deatherage.
The four local high school seniors who were recognized and awarded $1,800 scholarships are Emily Brausch of Clinton-Massie, Ashley Kinner of East Clinton, Jordan Snarr of Wilmington and Olivia Gundler of Blanchester.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.