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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWomen of Distinction`These women exemplify the heartbeat of the community.' Ruth Clearfield, Women of Distinction Banquet chair Girl Scouts council recognizes a diverse group of women as role models Leading by example Eagle photo /Dave McDermand The Girl Scouts Bluebonnet Council named 11 Women of Distinction: Castillo Phariss, Anne Hazen, Maritza Hoffman, Patricia Gerling, Sandra (from left) Nikki Pederson, Barbara Dever- Henson, Carol McFadden, Hilda Gossett, Nadine Eaton and Ann Boney. Not pictured is Susie Velasco. By LAURA HENSLEY Eagle Staff Writer T he Girl Scouts Bluebonnet Council on Monday recognized 11 local women as role models during a spe- cial luncheon in Bryan. This is the 15th year Women of Distinc- tion awards have been given to outstand- ing area women, who are successful in both their personal and professional lives. All of the honorees have day jobs rang- ing from business owners to paraprofes- sionals, but each also has a special dedica- tion to volunteerism. "Every year they are just wonderful," said Ruth Clearfield, chair of the Women of Distinction Banquet and former recipi- ent. "These women exemplify the heart- beat of the community. Although these women come from various backgrounds and careers, they all have one thing in common — they are role models for girls and other women" Setting an example for the younger gen- eration is something many of the honorees said is a priority in everything they do. "Our children are watching us and pay- ing attention to us," said Ann Boney, a Women of Distinction honoree. "Your life may be the only Bible people ever read, so you must be mindful of what you do because people are watching." The 2006 Women of Distinction are: • Ann Boney has been the staff assistant for the director of the Benz School of Floral The 2006 Women of Distinction are: • Ann Boney has been the staff assistant for the director of the Benz School of Floral Design at Texas A &M University for 18 years. She is the president of the local chapter of the NAACP, a HOSTS volunteer and a board member for OPAS and the United Way. She also is the youth choir director at her church. • Barbara Dever - Henson is the program director of Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Brazos Valley. She has served on several boards and committees including United Way, Health for All, Brazos Valley Business and Professional Women, Bryan Housing Authority and Bryan - College Station Sister Cities Association. She sings in the choir and is a Bible teacher at her church. • Nadine Eaton is a teaching assistant at the Bryan school district's Carver Early Childhood Center and was honored as Best Paraprofessional for the 2004 -05 school year. She is a board member of the Brazos Valley African American Museum and a tutor at the North Bryan Community Center. • Patricia Gerling is the assistant chancellor for agriculture programs at A &M. She is a member of the Aggie Mom's Club and volunteers in College Station schools. Gerling is a member of the Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce, American Business Women's Association, Arts Council of Brazos Valley and the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. • Sandra Gossett is a certified public accountant and longtime Girl Scouts volunteer. She has received numerous awards for her leadership in Girl Scouts and has introduced many community service projects to scouts, including those with Phoebe's Home, Scotty's House and Salvation Army. She is the financial secretary at her church and teaches an adult Sunday school class. • Anne Hazen retired as director of nursing at Hospice of the Brazos Valley, but continues to volunteer with the organization. She served as a College Station City Council member for six years. Hazen has volunteered with the ELCA Lutheran Social Services, Prenatal Clinic and the Brazos Valley Food Bank. She serves on her church's council. • Maritza Hoffman and her husband own Awards and More. She is a board member of the St. Joseph Foundation. Other boards she has served on include Girl Scouts, Children's Miracle Network, Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club and the Bryan Soccer League. She is a Eucharistic minister at her church. • Carol McFadden and her husband own Brazos Janitorial and she is active in the Aggieland Rotary Club. She is a former member of the Bryan school board and serves on boards for the Brazos County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Junior League, Prenatal Clinic, Brazos Food Bank, Bryan Educational Foundation, Brazos County Community Action and St. Joseph Foundation. • Nikki Pederson is known best for her talent scouting and casting agency but also is active in community organizations and events such as Brazos Valley Troupe, Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra, the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and Kid's Fest. She has developed a self - improvement/personal development workshop for children called "Kids on Camera." • Hilda Castillo Phariss is the Bryan Municipal Court administrator. She is the only Hispanic division manager for the city of Bryan. She volunteers in the community for the Brazos Valley Dispute Resolution Center and is a member of the Hispanic Forum. She is the president of Bryan /College Station Habitat for Humanity. • Susie Velasco is the clerk for Hospice Brazos Valley. She volunteers with several clubs and organizations, including Twin City Mission, St. Joseph Hospital Ladies' Auxiliary, Business and Professional Women's Club, Brazos Animal Shelter, Muscular Dystrophy, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the College Station Citizens Police Academy. The local honorees are among 21 women from 13 Central Texas counties who have received the award this year. Each will be recognized March 30 at the College Station Hilton during the 2006 Women of Distinction Banquet. The event also will feature guest speaker Judge Rose Spector, the first woman elected to the Texas Supreme Court. Tickets to the banquet are $40. Money raised at the banquet will benefit Girl Scout programs, Camp Howdy in Bryan and Camp Kachina on Lake Belton. The deadline for reservations is March 23. For more information, call 254 - 756 -4497. • Laura Hensley's e -mail address is laura.hensley @theeagle.com.