Women of Distinction

An Annual Awards Banquet for Exceptional Community Members

2025 Women of Distinction Honorees

2025 Bette Cato Inspirational Award Winner, Becky Walker, Pictured Left

2025 Bette Cato Rising Star Award Winner, Allie Steed, Pictured Left

Matthew Wadsworth and Gianna Giusti

Merreley Donohue, Rowena Palomar, Kristina Brown & Janis Johnson

Below are the honorees

from past

Women & Young Women of Distinction!

Words of Wisdom from the Women of Distinction

Anny Wilson Women of Distinction, 2017 "She positively impacted so many people's lives all around the world"

Marcie Robertson Women of Distinction, 2009 "Be Nice! (it's easy and it's free)"

Sam Foist-Swart Women of Distinction, 2019 "Continue Advocating for Social Change."

Heidi (Kuchin) Clement Young Women of Distinction, 2008 "Look for the good and acknowledge it every chance you get."

Patty Relay Women of Distinction, 2018 "Stop judging your neighbor, just be a good person!"

Dr. Angela Alfaro Women of Distinction, 2018 "Hold each other tight...life is precious!"

Gigi O'Bren Women of Distinction, 2008 "Be gentle."

Kerstin Cullen Women of Distinction, 2010 "Have something to focus on."

Emily Humphrey Young Women of Distinction, 2019 "Stay well, take a breath, be kind."

Gay Wellman Women of Distinction, 2019 "Hate and Fear are the Real Enemy."

Gail Renardson Women of Distinction, 2012 "Compassion."

Shannon WIlliams Women of Distinction, 2016 "Love one another."

Gretchen Kuchin Young Women of Distinction, 2012 "See the Good; Be the Good."

Tanya Young Women of Distinction, 2018 "Never forget you worth."

Jan Whalen, Women of Distinction, 2019 "Be Around People Who Are Different From You."

Leslie Bauman, Women of Distinction, 2015 "I thoroughly love my job!"

Gianna Giusti McCune, Young Women of Distinction, 2009 "Listen to Hear."

Lanette Oliver Women of Distinction, 2013 "We're All in This Together!"

Carole Derifield Women of Distinction, 2016 "Enjoy What You Have."

Rhonda Wegner Taylor Women of Distinction, 2019 "Unite as One Human Race"

SheriKay Griffith Women of Distinction, 2017 "It's Okay!"

De Ann Smith Women of Distinction, 2013 "Always Help When You Can!"

Katey Connell, Women of Distinction, 2016 "AVV supports and lifts up women in our community!"

Mary Mehlberg "Be a Servant, It Will Make Your Life Full of Love and Friendships"

Bette Cato Inspirational & Bette Cato Rising Star Award Recipients

BETTE CATO INSPIRATIONAL AWARD RECIPIENTS

2025 Becky Walker

2024 Teresa Barton

2023 Molly Walker

2022 Katie Bobowski

2021 No Event Due to Covid

2020 No Event Due to Covid

2019 Rhonda Wegner Taylor

2018 Dr. Angela Alfaro

2017 Gloria Day

2016 Katey Connell

2015 Mary Helen Stephens

HONORED WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

2014 Shana Anderson

2013 Shannon Mahoney-Irish

2012 Gail Renardson

2011 Pamela Shirrell

2010 Roz Strang

2009 Marcie Robertson

2008 Karen Stewart

BETTE CATO RISING STAR AWARD RECIPIENTS

2025 Allison Steed

2024 Mercedes Blancaflor

2023 Abigail Ferrara

2022 Jessica Elder

2021 No Event Due to Covid

2020 No Event Due to Covid

2019 Ashlee Marie Schaeffer

2018 Gaea Bard

2017 Naomi Ray

2016 Jamie Comer

2015 Kate Farmer

HONORED YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

2014 Cassandra Black

2013 Colleen Murphy

2012 Forest Masters

2011 Shannon Major

2010 Maggie Nylund

2009 Gianna Giusti

2008 Heidi Kuchin